Regulation
Indian NPAs: Solvency strikes
With a series of highly publicized bankruptcy proceedings, government efforts to rein in India’s non-performing assets may finally be paying off. Investors expect a wave of turnaround opportunities
Renminbi fundraising: Winter has come
A two-year renminbi fundraising boom in China has ended abruptly due to a combination of controversy, regulatory intervention, and dwindling investor sentiment. But the market may benefit in the long term
Korea tender offers: Bidding on winners
Tender offers have long been overlooked in South Korea’s PE toolbox, where their traditional use in privatization deals seems to have little value. Local GPs may be able to adapt them to the market’s needs
Korean IPOs: The public eye
A growing number of South Korean buyout firms are testing the waters for domestic IPOs. Continued regulatory hurdles mean that realizing value will require planning for the post-offer period
Korea macro: Tempered tiger
Korea’s economic momentum has simmered down as demographic, political and industrial evolutions suggest a structural decline. Investors are monitoring the transition with a conditional sense of optimism
Indian e-commerce: Tipping the scales
India’s new e-commerce policy seeks to provide clarity for all industry participants, but many stakeholders are wary that the government plans to tilt the playing field against overseas players
Technology risk: Big brother
Advanced technologies experiencing rapid commercialization such as artificial intelligence will be subject to a range of social and regulatory risks. Investors must not ignore the debate on ethical deployment
Deal focus: KKR lays down a marker in Taiwan
Seven years after its privatization of Yageo Corp was blocked, KKR is back pursuing a $1.56 billion bid for LYC Chemical Corp. The initial response from regulators has been positive
KKR targets $1.56b privatization of Taiwan’s LCY Chemical
KKR is pursuing its first Taiwan privatization since 2011 – when the acquisition of Yageo Corp. was blocked, prompting questions about the government’s attitude towards PE buyouts – with a NT$47.8 billion ($1.56 billion) bid for LCY Chemical Corp.
Trans Pacific Partnership: A rising tide
When the US withdrew from the Trans Pacific Partnership, the remaining participants decided to go it alone. Hopes are high that the deal will result in improved business environments across Southeast Asia
Malaysia PE: Shaken, not stirred
Malaysian investors are unfazed by a period of political tumult that has directly embroiled the country’s government-guided private equity industry. An erratic growth trajectory now appears set to stabilize
India raises cap on local PE fund exposure to offshore companies
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has raised the limit on capital that can be invested by local private equity and venture capital funds in overseas companies from $500 million to $750 million.
China-US trade: Balance of power
A long-smoldering trade dispute between the US and China has begun to reverberate globally across a range of sectors. Private equity must not ignore the potential impacts
Hong Kong biotech IPOs: Capital injection
The move to allow zero-revenue biotech companies to list in Hong Kong has spurred investor interest in healthcare. But valuations are high and success in this capital-intensive space is by no means guaranteed
Abraaj files for restructuring
The Abraaj Group – which has been under pressure since governance concerns emerged in February – has appointed provisional liquidators to work on a restructuring of the firm after a second creditor filed a petition seeking to recover unpaid debts.
Hong Kong technology IPOs: Size matters
Hong Kong has altered its IPO regime to attract tech companies with unorthodox shareholding structures and biotech start-ups with no revenue. But only certain businesses are welcome to apply
Hong Kong to accept New Third Board companies
Chinese companies listed on the National Equities Exchange & Quotation (NEEQ) – a market aimed at smaller, less proven companies and qualified investors – will be encouraged to go public in Hong Kong.
China unicorn total surpasses 160
China had 164 unicorns worth a collective $628.4 billion at the end of last year, a government report stated, as the prospect of A-share listings by domestic internet companies was once again raised.
China tightens controls on LP participation in offshore funds
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has implemented rules that effectively add another layer of approval for LP commitments by domestic investors to offshore private equity funds.
Hong Kong IPOs: Open season
Hong Kong is proposing to loosen its listing requirements - with a view to attracting Chinese technology IPOs - in a measured way. However, changes of such significance are rarely implemented smoothly
CSRC eases rules for VC firms to exit start-ups
Shares held by venture capital investors will be subject to a shorter lock-up period after their portfolio companies list on Chinese stock exchanges in a move designed to encourage long-term investment.
Augentius appoints new Asia head
Fund administrator Augentius has appointed Jimmy Leong as managing director for Asia following the departure of Alexander Traub to Alter Domus.
Demonetization drives surge in Indian fintech investment
India’s demonetization policy has been the principal driver for a surge in financial technology investment in the country, according to research by Accenture and CB Insights.
Chinese fund abandons Xcerra deal, cites CFIUS problems
Sino IC Capital, a technology-focused PE fund manager backed by the Chinese government, has become the latest investor to fall foul of US regulators following the termination of its acquisition of semiconductor and electronics manufacturer Xcerra.
