LPs
Raphael Arndt becomes CEO of Australia's Future Fund
Raphael Arndt has been appointed CEO of Australia’s Future Fund, succeeding David Neal, who departed earlier this year to lead IFM Investors.
PEP looks to cut OPTrust into Zenith Energy deal
Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) wants to bring OPTrust into its bid for Australia-listed off-grid power provider Zenith Energy after the Canadian pension fund built up a sizeable position in the company.
LP interview: Roc Partners
Having transitioned from a locally focused fund-of-funds into pan-Asian multi-strategy investor, Roc Partners is finding new ways to branch out in the current downturn
Archipelago targets $250m for second Southeast Asia fund
Archipelago Capital Partners is seeking $250 million for its second Southeast Asia fund and has received a proposed $25 million LP commitment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Australia superfund withdrawals: Double trouble
Allowing cash-strapped superannuation members early access to their pension savings is seen as an essential COVID-19 relief measure. But it may not be conducive to a long-term investment mindset
LPs worried about denominator effect as capital calls rise - survey
LPs are receiving more capital calls from private equity firms following the coronavirus outbreak, with the concurrent drop in public market valuations prompting concerns about overallocation to the asset class, according to a survey by the Institutional...
Coronavirus & capital calls: Time to draw?
With GPs and LPs placing a premium on liquidity, there is more scrutiny of capital call processes. Some managers are pushing for changes to documentation, but will investors relent?
Singapore's Quest Ventures achieves first close for new fund
Quest Ventures, a Singapore-headquartered venture capital firm, has achieved the first close for a new fund. The target for the vehicle is $50 million.
HarbourVest hires Japan Post Insurance's alternatives head
Tadasu Matsuo, head of alternative investments at Japan Post Insurance (JPI), has joined HarbourVest Partners as a managing director where he will co-lead Japan coverage alongside Tatsuya Kubo.
Japan's GPIF names ex-Goldman executive as CIO
Eiji Ueda, formerly co-head of securities for Goldman Sachs in Asia Pacific, has replaced Hiromichi Mizuno as CIO of Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).
China LP defaults: Battle of wills
A protracted legal dispute between a cross-border private equity firm and a Chinese investor is a reminder of the difficulties that can arise over fund defaults. Negotiation is always the preferred course of action
BGH, OTPP pull out of New Zealand dentistry deal
BGH Capital and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) have scrapped plans to acquire New Zealand dentistry chain Abano Healthcare citing material changes caused by COVID-19.
Australian LPs and co-investment: Willing partners
The difficulties NZ Super encountered with its now-defunct global direct investment unit offer pointers for Australian LPs looking at how to resource and structure co-investment programs
Burda Principal promotes Albert Shyy to Asia head
Burda Principal Investments (BPI), the investment arm of European technology and media company Hubert Burda Media, has promoted Albert Shyy to managing director and head of Asia.
LP interview: New Zealand's ACC
Accident Compensation Corporation is the biggest fish in Asia Pacific’s smallest pond. As a result, even a modest splash into private equity has created some noticeable waves
Coronavirus & fundraising: Caught in a bind
The coronavirus outbreak has implications for PE fundraising well beyond China. Many Asia-based managers are either unable to go and see LPs or LPs are not permitted to visit them
Deep GP-LP relationships not defined by co-underwriting - AVCJ Forum
Institutional investors in Australia and New Zealand are looking to establish deeper relationships with portfolio GPs – and while co-investment is part of the dynamic, it doesn’t necessarily stretch to co-underwriting.
ESG-related deals must be judged on commercial merits – AVCJ Forum
Institutional investors in Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to environment, social and governance (ESG) protocols – but as a factor within the decision-making process, not its sole driver.
Marcus Simpson leaves Australia's QIC to pursue advisory work
Marcus Simpson (pictured) plans to take on independent advisory roles – working with institutional investors that want to build or rebuild private equity programs and with companies looking at taking on private capital – having stepped down as head of...
Hong Kong's Future Fund to make direct investments
Hong Kong’s Future Fund, a vehicle intended invest budget surpluses to cover future liabilities arising from an aging population and slower economic growth, will make a 10% allocation to direct investments that support the local economy.
Australia PE spinouts: Into the unknown
Australia has seen plenty of spinouts in recent years, with outcomes ranging from a $2 billion first-time fund to deal-by-deal strategies. Is local LP support essential in getting wider traction?
StepStone promotes Australia-based Suzanne Tavill to partner
Suzanne Tavill, a Sydney-based managing director with StepStone Group, has been elevated to partner. It was one of four partner-level promotions made by the firm globally.
Minnesota SBI backs KKR's Asia fund
Minnesota State Board of Investment (SBI) is looking to commit $150 million to KKR’s fourth pan-Asian fund. This represents a step up from the $100 million it put into the manager’s previous vehicle.
VC and age: No industry for old men
The trendy, shape-shifting world of venture capital is broadly seen as a young person’s game, although hard evidence to this effect remains in scarce supply