Investments
Want Want China unsure about CNS purchase conditions
Want Want China, leader of a group seeking to buy Taiwan cable TV provider China Network Systems (CNS) from MBK Partners, said Thursday that the $2.4 billion sale remains uncertain because of conditions imposed by regulators.
Hony, GCS named preferred bidders for Dexia unit – report
Hony Capital has teamed up with GCS Capital, a PE firm founded by former investment banker Guocang Huan, to buy the asset management arm Dexia in a deal worth EUR500 million ($615 million). The Franco-Belgian financial group is one of the biggest victims...
SAFE commits $500m to Blackstone property fund – report
China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) has reportedly committed $500 million to The Blackstone Group’s latest real estate private equity fund. Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII has proved popular with investors and Stephen Schwarzman,...
Infinity Group sells IP to Anxin-China
Infinity Group, the Israel-based private equity firm created by China Development Bank and Israeli conglomerate IDB Group, has sold intellectual property developed by two of its portfolio companies to Anxin-China Holdings.
Billabong opens its books to TPG, says buyout offer too low
Billabong International's board has agreed to let TPG Capital conduct due diligence on the company, although it maintains that the private equity firm’s A$694 million ($712 million) buyout offer is too low in the context of a control transaction. TPG’s...
Carlyle mulls Coates Hire IPO
The Carlyle Group, together with Australia's Seven Group, is considering an IPO of Australian equipment rental company Coates Hire. The news comes weeks after banks agreed to refinance the company’s A$1.85 billion ($1.9 billion) in debt.
VCs back Indian taxi firm BookMyCab
Mumbai Angels and YourNest Angel Fund, two Indian investment firms focused on early stage investments, have backed a Series A round for taxi start-up BookMyCab.
TPG confirms acquisition of China's HCP
TPG Capital has acquired Chinese packaging company HCP Holdings from its family owners. Sources close to the development told AVCJ the deal is worth around $500 million.
Ironbridge's EnviroWaste could fetch healthy price
Ironbridge Capital is mulling the sale of its waste management company, EnviroWaste. The New Zealand-based firm is expected to sell for a healthy price as its Australian counterpart Thiess was bought for A$218 million ($225 million) earlier this month....
Archer Growth invests in Best Friends Pet Supercentre
Archer Capital Growth Funds, the Australian GP’s lower mid-market unit, has set up a partnership with Best Friends Pet Supercentre and plans to expand the chain to 44 outlets. The company currently operates 11 supercenters that sell pet products and offer...
Clearwater reaches final close of $575m on fourth fund
Clearwater Capital Partners has closed its latest Asia credit and special situations fund at $575 million. It is the first time the private equity firm has gone to the market since 2007, when it raised a greater-than-expected $900 million for Clearwater...
Why Australian take-privates are taking off
A renewal of interest in Billabong International from TPG Capital always seemed likely. When the PE firm first came calling in February with a A$3 per share buyout offer, Billabong’s management refused to budge from its valuation of $4 per share. The...
India ATMs: Banking on convenience
Recognizing the need for more ATMs, a consortium of Indian banks has opened up the business to independent contractors. Numerous private equity-backed enterprises are waiting to swoop
Valar leads $1.2m round for Australian IT start-up
Valar Ventures, the venture capital firm run by PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, has made its first investment in Australia, leading a $1.2 million round for IT start-up ScriptRock.
Creador takes proprietary route to MNC IPO
One of the biggest criticisms leveled at private equity firms that anchor IPOs is that LPs expect them to do proprietary investments. When Saban Capital and Creador Capital performed the anchor role for MNC Skyvision’s $228 million offering earlier this...
A Capital bets on B&O's China growth story
Just three months ago, 87-year-old Danish electronics manufacturer Bang & Olufsen (B&O) announced worse-than-expected third quarter results: revenue was down 7% year-on-year while pre-tax profit fell by 37%. The company blamed poor sales in Europe and...
Red Fort to raise $500m for third fund - report
Red Fort Capital Advisors is reportedly planning to raise $500 million next year for its third Indian real estate fund.
CVC, Standard Chartered in $850m Infastech exit
CVC Capital Partners and Standard Chartered Private Equity have exited Hong Kong-based fastener manufacturer Infastech to Stanley Black & Decker for $850 million in cash. The strategic investor emerged the victor in a two-round auction process. It was...
CHAMP PE seeks exit from New Zealand's Blue Star
CHAMP Private Equity-owned Blue Star has suspended trading on the New Zealand Stock Exchange in anticipation of an announcement that the business is up for sale. It comes after the struggling communications company said in June that it had won the support...
TPG resumes Billabong pursuit with $712m buyout offer
TPG Capital has renewed its interest in Billabong International, tabling a A$694 million ($712 million) takeover bid for the Australian surfwear manufacturer. The offer is A$147 million lower than the private equity firm’s previous bid for Billabong,...
Carlyle raises $738m in latest China Pacific sell-down
The Carlyle Group has sold $723 million of shares in China Pacific Insurance (CPIC) through a block trade, marking the private equity firm's fifth partial exit from the company since December 2010. Total returns are in excess of $4 billion, putting Carlyle...
CVC seeks investor for Nine - report
CVC is seeking an investor to purchase a significant equity stake in the debt-laden Nine Entertainment. The transaction would allow the private equity player to reduce its $2.9 billion in senior loans due for repayment in February 2013.
Navis sells Nirula's to Indian trade buyer
Malaysia-based private equity firm Navis Capital Partners has sold its 100% stake in Indian restaurant chain Nirula's Corner House to hotel and real estate group A2Z Excursions.
TLG Capital bets on Myanmar cruise company
UK private equity firm TLG Capital is reportedly planning to establish a company that will operate cruises in Myanmar, investing via its holding in Compagnie Fluviale du Mekong, one of Cambodia's oldest river cruise businesses.