Articles by Brian McLeod
Lazard Carnegie Wylie fund takes distressed hotel
The A$100 million ($91 million) Lazard Carnegie Wylie Private Equity Distressed Fund, which targets distressed Australian hospitality and pub assets, has bought the Steyne Hotel on Sydney's Manly Beach, reportedly for A$27 million ($24 million).
China/Asia clean energy investing: the control conundrum
The energy growth paradigm, worldwide, appears to be undergoing a vigorous shakeup, driven largely, though not entirely, by the new green imperative.
The framework for green investing
While agreement on global emissions targets may be in abeyance, national policies and regulatory changes are spurring the development of renewable energy projects across Asia – and particularly in China – say international legal teams.
AIF announces Famy India contraceptive deal
AIF Capital has announced that AIF Capital Asia III LP and its affiliates have invested $40 million into Famy Care Ltd., a Mumbai-based pharmaceuticals manufacturer.
Dissecting the Asian infrastructure opportunity
If Asian infrastructure is one of the major upcoming global investment themes, China is its kingpin.
Building a better Asia – public, private, partnerships and profits
The growing discrepancy between Asia’s phenomenal productivity growth and its slow progress in the roll-out of critical infrastructure threatens the region’s potential growth.
First Eastern partners with Monitise
First Eastern Mobile Investments, part of the First Eastern Investment Group, has announced a 50/50 joint venture with Monitise Plc, claimed to be the world's leading provider of mobile money networks and technology, with a view to developing mobile banking,...
First low carbon fund launched in China
The ZheShang Nuohai Low Carbon Fund, which claims to be China’s first dedicated private equity vehicle focused exclusively on the energy conservation, environmental protection and new energy sectors, was formally established at the end of March.
Bridging Asia's infrastructure bottleneck
Traditionally the Asian infrastructure mantra has been, ‘if you let them build it, they will come,’ the ‘they’ being international investors (largely OECD manufacturers) looking to establish industrial capacity across the region, primarily to capitalize...
Lend Lease takes an $8 million stake in Daintree Networks
Australian leading dedicated cleantech investor Lend Lease further diversified its portfolio by making an $8 million investment in California-based wireless lighting control services provider Daintree Networks.
UBS mulls RMB fund
Although there has not as yet been formal confirmation, reports suggest that Swiss banking giant UBS is now in talks with the Beijing municipal government regarding setting up a renminbi-denominated private equity fund.
IFC to make first solar investment
World Bank investment unit the International Finance Corporation has confirmed that it will inject $10 million into India’s Azure Power, a solar energy service provider, to expedite that company’s nascent power projects in states such as Punjab, Haryand...
Green investing: The other side of the summit
COP15 may not yet have forged a future-proof global greenhouse gas reduction regime; but some still see it as an important step forward – and promising opportunities are budding in the green sector, especially in Asia.
Mining and metals: All that glitters
All that glitters may not be gold; but most metals are enjoying robust price growth, with rosy prospects for the longer term, say senior market observers.
Australian market prospects: Clear roads ahead?
The convergence of a robust economy, a shortage of credit and the perceived retreat in public equity markets look likely to generate M&A and private equity deals; but for different reasons.
Australia's varied markets
A kaleidoscope of factors make a market, and a country’s economy is much more than a simple stage on which activity plays out.
Indian biomass project attracts IFC support
The World Bank’s investment arm, International Finance Corp. (IFC) has announced it will nearly double its investment in an Indian 18MW biomass alternative energy project being developed by Auro Mira Bio Systems Kanyakumari Pvt Ltd, part of the AME group....
Helion, Bessemer bet on NetAmbit
India-focused venture fund Helion Venture Partners has announced it will inject INR400 million ($8.6 million) into financial products distributor NetAmbit, a market leader in the space on the sub-continent.
SPRING SEEDS-backed biofuel plant opens in Singapore
The opening of the Singapore Emulsion Fuel Pte Ltd marks a new era in the city state’s long-term history as a major regional fuel refiner. Backed by SPRING SEEDS Capital, under the aegis of the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Building & Construction...
India's Ascent beats odds, raises $350 million
Ascent Capital Advisors India Pvt. Ltd. has announced the close of its Ascent India Fund III, garnering $350 million in commitments, amid rumors that the fund was in fact oversubscribed.
TPG buys into Indian green energy with Greenko
TPG Capital has made its first investment in the country’s clean energy sector, with a c. $35 million buy-in into prominent Indian biomass power generator Greenko, as part of a placement of 51.4 million new shares and a $116 million capital raising from...
BTS targets new $150 million Indian clean energy fund
BTS Investment Advisors, a private equity fund jointly headquartered in Zurich and Mumbai, will raise a new $150 million fund focused on the clean energy space.
CHAMP's Study Group International mulls IPO
CHAMP Private Equity-owned Australian education services provider Study Group International is reportedly exploring a listing on the Australian Stock Exchange in June, and has appointed Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse as joint lead managers.
IFC to support Indian hydro with AD Hydro Power
The World Bank’s private investment arm, International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced it will extend $15 million of equity and $67 million of debt to AD Hydro Power Ltd., a 192-MW project in Himachal Pradesh under joint development by Bhilwara...