Investments
Storm warning: Investors prepare for macro difficulties
The coronavirus outbreak appears to be fast-tracking a long-expected economic downturn. The situation is very different from the aftermath of the global financial crisis, but PE investors may still draw instruction from the events of 2008-2009
Europe's Eurazeo promotes Asian agenda
Eurazeo’s Europe-China fund – a joint effort with China Investment Corporation (CIC) and BNP Paribas – will come online at the end of this month with an initial EUR400 million ($445 million) in dry powder. It is the France-based GP’s latest milestone...
KKR looks to invest one-third of its impact fund in Asia
KKR expects to deploy one-third of its recently closed debut global impact fund in Asia and is adding dedicated resources in the region to work on deal sourcing and execution.
Australia technology: Taking care of business
Investors are quietly leveraging subtle advantages in the Australian enterprise software space to create global leaders. The market will not remain an overlooked goldmine for long
Coronavirus: PE impact assessment
Existing analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on PE and VC in Asia is largely based on anecdotes and incomplete datasets. A detailed prognosis must wait - and then the broader implications for consumption habits will take even longer to emerge
Asia PE fundraising falls 28% in 2019
Capital committed to Asia-focused private equity managers fell 28% year-on-year to $104.4 billion in 2019, largely due to a drop-off in activity in the pan-regional buyout and venture capital segments. Investments and exits were also down on the previous...
GPs need more than just an ESG mindset
Private equity firms must move beyond approaching investments simply with an ESG mindset and cultivate a more results-driven approach to environment, social and governance issues, industry participants told the Hong Kong Venture Capital & Private Equity...
GIC, ESR team up on $500m China venture
ESR, an Asia Pacific-focused logistics real estate platform, has formed a joint venture with Singapore’s GIC Private with a view to investing $500 million in high-quality facilities in China.
Impact investment: Gray areas
The notion of delivering measurable positive social and environmental impact while simultaneously generating risk-adjusted financial returns has struck a chord with many LPs. But impact strategies can still be a tough sell
Uncertain times: The outlook for Asia
Private equity activity is lagging in Asia across fundraising, investment and exits as a result of political and economic headwinds. But there is still appetite for new managers and strategies
Q&A: Oaktree Capital's Howard Marks
Howard Marks, co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, discusses populism, deficit, trade wars, the shift in focus from public to private markets, and why his default position is one of caution
GPs see specialization as antidote to challenging market - AVCJ Forum
Investors at the AVCJ Forum offered optimistic outlooks for 2020 but said tighter deal markets would demand specialization in defensive sectors and a closer watch on valuations.
Asian outposts: LPs see value in a local presence
Few institutional investors have the scale, resources or mandate to establish private markets platforms within Asia. Those that do are looking to make it pay off through co-investment
Investors uncertain on Hong Kong's future as financial hub - M&A Forum
Recent unrest in Hong Kong has harmed the territory’s economy, but industry participants are unsure whether its status as a financial center is under threat, given the scale of the existing infrastructure.
Advantage sells GP stake to Japanese strategic
Japanese mid-market private equity firm Advantage Partners has agreed to sell a minority stake in its fund management entity to domestic financial services company Tokyo Century Corporation.
Q&A: Natixis' Raghu Narain
Raghu Narain, head of investment banking for Asia Pacific at Natixis, discusses the macro backdrop for China’s M&A market and how shifting priorities will color deal flow to come
China investment regulation: Context clues
Revisions to China’s negative investment list show the country remains committed to widening access, but consistency in enforcement and clarity around political issues are significant challenges for investors
Profile: Traveloka’s Hendrik Susanto
Hendrik Susanto left a career in private equity and venture capital to head Traveloka’s inorganic growth strategy. The new role harnesses investment expertise to build a longer-lasting company
Profile: Ernest Higa
From lumber to fast food, Ernest Higa has found a market for US concepts in Japan. The entrepreneur – and oftentimes private equity collaborator – believes careful customization is the key to success
Carlyle's Rubenstein champions emerging markets
The bloom has faded from the rose in emerging markets in recent years, which means it is an opportune time to invest in these geographies, according to David Rubenstein (pictured), co-founder and co-executive chairman of The Carlyle Group.
Investors prioritize policy continuity in Indonesia - AVCJ Forum
Both candidates in Indonesia’s presidential election continue to claim victory, but unofficial counts conducted by polling agencies that point to another term for Joko “Jokowi” Widodo are a source of comfort for investors seeking stability.
China's foreign investment law: A level playing field?
China’s new foreign investment law appears to make life easier for overseas investors in some areas, but uncertainty remains in others. Industry participants are waiting for more details to emerge in 2020
Japan VC: Positive energy
Japan’s quiet venture capital space is booming within its own borders. Signs of a stronger exit market and an exuberant influx of corporate involvement are encouraging themes, but they will play out slowly
Asian PE firms still struggle with tech investments - Bain & Co
Private equity firms are deploying increasing amounts of capital into Chinese internet plays without having a clear understanding of what the target businesses are worth or how to add value to them, according to Bain & Company.
