China's CNEI in health products play

Based in in Qinghai province, Weide claims to be the leading producer of inulin and fructooligosaccharide (FOS), two naturally-sourced prebiotics and dietary fiber products widely used in baby formula, drinks, food, animal feed, cosmetics and personal care products.

The firm grows Jerusalem artichoke and chicory root, which are used to produce inulin, FOS, polyfructose, fructose syrup and other fructan products. According to a release, there is a global shortage of high-quality inulin and FOS products.

CNEI's investment will help Weide improve its efficiency and quality by developing better planting and production techniques and upgrading its production facilities.

CNEI is currently investing out of its $255 million second fund. The firm targets well established Chinese growth companies in a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on opportunities tied to domestic consumption.

In January, CNEI paid an additional $16.3 million into Chinese specialty leasing company Juxin International, increasing its stake to 19.08%. Three months prior to that it acquired a 17% stake in drug developer Fudan-Zhangjiang Bio-Pharmaceutical for $25.4 million.

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
• LinkedIn  
• Google plus  
• Save this article  
• Send to  

• Topics
• Greater China
• Industrials
• Consumer
• China
• CNEI
• Consumer
• manufacturing
• Growth capital