Industry
Korean financial plays are not for foreigners
The Woori and Mirae Asset Life Insurance deals are cause for hope, but foreign PE may still find life difficult
Now is the time to open an Asian office
The last few years haev been among the most challenging for private equity. Armed with many of the best practices in the financial services, the industry emerged from the global financial crisis battered but not broken. And now, having turned the corner,...
GSR Ventures closes fourth fund at $350m
GSR Ventures has closed its fourth fund at $350 million after it was substantially oversubscribed. The firm, which focuses on early-stage technology deals in China, said that existing investors contributed over 80% of the capital.
Lone Star, Hana extend KEB talks to December
Lone Star will have to wait until December to sell its controlling stake in Korea Exchange Bank to South Korean financial conglomerate Hana Financial for $4.3 billion.
North American property funds dominate 2Q fundraising
North America property funds accounted for most of the $11.2 billion raised by private equity funds with a final close in the second quarter of 2011, according to research firm Preqin. Total commitments were up on the $8.9 billion raised in the first...
Vogo, Tstobe, MBK participate in South Korea's Woori auction
Three South Korean private equity funds, Vogo Fund, Tstone and MBK Partners, have emerged as potential bidders to purchase the government's 57% controlling stake in Woori Financial Holdings, worth an estimated $6 billion .
KKR gets green light for Saudi Arabia operation
KKR has been awarded a license to operate in Saudi Arabia. The private equity firm sees considerable fundraising potential in the country in addition to investment opportunities across the region.
Japanese GPs prepare for a smaller future
Consolidation is in the cards as Japan’s private equity industry focuses on mid-cap plays rather than buyouts
China's rainmakers go solo
There have been many articles, books, discussions and conferences on Chinese entrepreneurism. This has come under the spotlight again with the recent wave of IPOs by mainland businesses in various bourses around the world. While many of these activities...
PE firms participate in ING Vysya Bank share placement
A group of six funds, led by private equity players ChrysCapital, Morgan Stanley and India Advantage Fund, have bought a more than 5% stake in ING Vysya Bank for about INR300 crore ($70 million). The stake was purchased through the bank’s recent INR513...
Fidelity Growth Partners makes India education investment
Fidelity Growth Partners will take an undisclosed minority stake in Mind Shaper Technologies for about $15 million, according to statement from the Delhi-based education company. Mind Shaper operates under the Classteacher Learning Systems brand, which...
Sequoia commits $30m to Indian snack foods producer
Sequoia Capital will invest $30 million in Prakash Snacks, marking the first round of private equity funding for the Indore-based snack food producer.
Illinois pension fund earmarks $7b for private equity
The Teachers’ Retirement Board of the State of Illinois has won approval from its board of trustees for a plan that could see it invest up to $7 billion in private equity by 2016. The $37 billion fund wants to commit $900 million to $1.4 billion to...
SEC backs rule change requiring PE fund adviser registration
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday approved legislation mandating registration for private equity and hedge fund advisers. Under a measure that features in the Dodd-Frank Act, advisers will have to disclose information on their...
Korea's NPS selects GP investment partners
Korea’s National Pension Service (NPS), the world’s fourth-largest pension fund, has chosen eight domestic private equity and venture capital GPs to manage its newest, KRW900 billion ($840 million) Pan-Asian fund, according to Money Today.
Kotak Mahindra applies for Singapore office
India’s Kotak Mahindra Bank, whose parent has been an active private equity investor, is looking to open its first overseas branch, in Singapore.
LPs drive change in private equity
A new survey shows recovering confidence in private equity, but LPs are becoming more selective about their investments.
Japanese GPs still see opportunities
Private equity investors are thinking twice about trouble-hit Japan, but reports of its demise are greatly exaggerated
The benefits of making yourself heard
In a recent conversation with a prominent venture capitalist, I was asked about the value in speaking at an AVCJ event. For those of us in the company, it is almost a no-brainer.
Lone Star challenges stock manipulation charges in Korean court
Lone Star will file a petition to void stock manipulation charges leveled against it and Paul Yoo, the head of its South Korea unit, Reuters reported. The move is likely to prolong the private equity firm’s sale of a 51% stake in Korea Exchange Bank...
CalPERS appoints new PE head
The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), the largest US public pension fund, has appointed Real Desrochers to head its $49 billion private equity portfolio, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Macquarie, China Everbright make first close on infrastructure fund
Macquarie Group and China Everbright have made the first close on their joint China infrastructure fund, securing total commitments of $479 million. They are targeting a final close in 2012.
China's Co-Win Venture closes fifth fund at $385.4m
Shenzhen-based Co-Win Venture Capital Investment has closed its fifth fund, raising a total of RMB2.5 billion ($385.4 million).
INCJ to hold majority stake in Toshiba, Sony LCD panel unit
The Innovative Network of Japan(INCJ), a government-run investment fund, will take a majority stake in Toshiba and Sony's consolidated LCD panels business.