Industry
Carlyle makes $4.5b first close on Asia buyout fund
The Carlyle Group has achieved a first close of more than $4.5 billion on its fifth Asia buyout fund. The vehicle launched earlier this year with an initial target of $5 billion.
True North sets $1.1b hard cap for sixth India fund
Indian private equity firm True North – formerly known as India Value Fund Advisors (IVFA) – has set a hard cap of $1.1 billion for its sixth fund, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Canyon Bridge founder charged with insider trading
One of the founders of Canyon Bridge Capital Partners – a private equity firm backed by Chinese LPs that was blocked from buying US-based Lattice Semiconductor earlier this year – has been charged with insider trading.
Everstone-Realterm JV launches third India logistics fund
IndoSpace, a joint venture between the Everstone Group and US-based Realterm Global, has launched its third fund aimed at developing Indian logistics and industrial facilities.
Singapore eases VC registration process
Singapore has dropped the requirement that venture capital managers must have at least five years of experience to qualify for local registration as part of wider reforms intended to attract more investors to the country.
SL Capital raises $428m secondaries fund
SL Capital, a private markets arm of Aberdeen Standard Investments, has raised $428 million for its third private equity secondaries fund, surpassing the target of $400 million.
PV Wang to leave China asset manager Noah
Piau-Voon Wang, who joined Chinese wealth manager Noah Holdings last year as co-CIO, will leave the firm at the end of this month.
China Everbright, Walden launch semiconductor fund
China Everbright and venture capital firm Walden International Group have jointly launched a $500 million fund focused on semiconductors and industrial technology.
LP interview: LGT Capital Partners
LGT Capital Partners sees Asia as a misunderstood investment destination among Western LPs due to unfounded concerns about the risk of the region. Local connections are key to building a strong strategy
China's HighLight Capital closes Fund II at $250m
Chinese healthcare-focused GP HighLight Capital, which was set up by former CDH Investments executive Steven Wang, has closed its second US dollar-denominated fund at the hard cap of $250 million.
Canada's OMERS to open Singapore office
Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) will open an office in Singapore in January, adding to an Asia presence that already includes a base in Sydney.
NZ Super loses head of external investments
Fiona Mackenzie (pictured), the head of external investments and partnerships at New Zealand Superannuation Fund, is leaving to join First NZ Capital (FNZC).
China M&A: Common ground
Chinese outbound M&A is stigmatized at the moment due to concerns about regulatory barriers both foreign and domestic, but buyers and sellers can reach mutually beneficial compromises
Fund structuring: Change at the margins
While the Cayman Islands remains the go-to jurisdiction for PE firms seeking a domicile for Asia-focused funds, investor demand and regulatory remit mean structures are now more carefully considered
Ex-Pamplona partner joins KKR in Australia
KKR has appointed David Lang (pictured), previously a partner and founding member at Pamplona Capital Management, as a partner-level executive in its Sydney office. He will start work in early 2018.
Nexus Point reaches $200m first close on Greater China fund
Nexus Point, a private equity firm launched by former MBK Partners executive Kuo-Chan Kung, has reached a first close of just over $200 million on its debut Greater China-focused fund.
SparkLabs launches $100m blockchain fund
SparkLabs Group has launched a $100 million early-stage venture capital fund that will focus on blockchain and cryptocurrency investments globally.
Fund focus: Vickers prepares to narrow its focus
Vickers Venture Partners raised $230 million for its latest VC fund on the back of a strong track record, but the firm's future vehicles are likely to have more specific remits
3Q analysis: More about Japan
Toshiba sends Japan into top spot for investment amid corporate carve-out excitement; fundraising plummets in the absence of Chinese state-backed vehicles; the IPO window opens as public markets boom
ADIA commits $1b to India's state-backed infra fund
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), a sovereign wealth fund based in the United Arab Emirates, has committed $1 billion to the Indian government’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF).
ROC Partners backs $118m Australian SME fund
Australian private equity firm ROC Partners has teamed up with the state government of New South Wales and pension fund First State Super to launch a A$150 million ($118 million) equity fund targeting small to medium-sized enterprises (SME).
US-based VC to invest $20m in Pakistan technology fund
US-based 1839 Ventures has agreed to invest $20 million in a fund launched by the Pakistan government that will invest in domestic technology start-ups.
Wavemaker closes second SE Asia VC fund at $66m
US and Singapore-based venture capital investor Wavemaker Partners has raised $66 million for its second Southeast Asia-focused fund. The target was $50 million.
Philippines fintech growth to include blockchain – AVCJ Forum
The Philippines is likely to follow the lead of other Asian markets by more closely regulating blockchain-based financial transactions as the technology becomes more integral to the country’s economy.