Australasia
Angel investor launches in New Zealand
Richard Coon, a director and co-founder at private equity-backed New Zealand insurance provider Partners Life, has launched a new domestically facing venture group known as Angel Investors Marlborough (AIM).
AirTree leads Series B for Australia consulting marketplace
AirTree Ventures has led a A$13 million ($10.1 million) Series B round of funding for Expert360, an Australia-based online marketplace that connects small companies with independent consultants.
Affinity submits $1.6b offer for Australia's Vocus
Affinity Equity Partners has submitted a bid to buy Australian high-speed broadband internet provider Vocus Group for about A$2.2 billion ($1.6 billion), matching an offer made by KKR.
KKR's credit unit offers $499m for Australia's Pepper
KKR Credit Advisors (KCA) has made a A$655 million ($499 million) offer for Australian mortgage lender and distressed debt servicer Pepper Group.
Liberty House beats Korean PE consortium to Arrium deal
A group led by UK-based industrials and metals group Liberty House has agreed to acquire distressed Australian mining giant Arrium, beating out a private equity-backed Korean consortium.
Quadrant to exit Australia's Zip Industries via trade sale
Quadrant Private Equity has sold Zip Industries, an Australia-based manufacturer of drinking water appliances, to global water treatment specialist Culligan International for an undisclosed sum.
PE executives in government: Late to the party
With private equity executives playing an unprecedented role in the Trump administration, the advantages that PE can bring to government – and vice versa – has come into the spotlight
Denham terminates $42m takeover of Australian miner
Denham Capital has withdrawn from a commitment to fully acquire Cradle Resources that had valued the Australia-listed mining company at A$55 million ($42 million).
PE investors drop bids for Australia’s Fairfax
Hellman & Friedman, along with a consortium led by TPG Capital and including Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), have withdrawn their bids to acquire Australia’s Fairfax Media.
KKR to buy majority stake in Australia's Dixon Hospitality
KKR has agreed to acquire a majority interest in Dixon Hospitality, which operates a portfolio of more than 40 food and beverage outlets across major cities in Australia. The capital will come from the GP's third pan-Asian fund, which closed earlier this...
Australia's VC-backed GetSwift receives $18m investment
IFM Investors has joined a A$24 million ($18.2 million) investment in GetSwift, an Australia-listed and VC-backed software provider focused on the logistics sector.
Private equity and data centers: Get connected
With demand for outsourced data center services poised to take off in Asia, private equity investors are looking for ways to participate in the growth story
Creditors take control of PE-owned Gerard Lighting
A creditor consortium led by Investec and Bain Capital Credit (BCC) has assumed full control of Gerard Lighting, an Australian light fittings distributor owned by CHAMP Private Equity.
Portfolio: Partners Group and Guardian Early Learning
Now on its third PE owner, Guardian Early Learning Group is building its unique brand identity in Australia’s busy childcare sector. The key has been for each party to respect the strengths and needs of the other
Bolt-on acquisitions: Buying growth
Bolt-on acquisitions enable private equity firms to bring down the cost of investments through multiple arbitrage and leveraging synergies. But in a climate of heady valuations, are GPs thinking too big?
Korean PE consortium named preferred bidder for Arrium
A consortium headed by two Korean private equity firms and supported by domestic steelmaker Posco has been selected as the preferred bidder for distressed Australian mining and minerals giant Arrium.
Sapphire leads Series C for Australia's Culture Amp
Sapphire Ventures has led a $20 million Series C funding round for Australian business analytics services provider Culture Amp.
PE-owned Blue Star Sports enters Australia, New Zealand
Blue Star Sports, a US-based company controlled by Genstar Capital that provides management software to grassroots sports clubs, has entered the Australia and New Zealand market with the acquisition of SportsTG.
Australia's Rokt closes Series B at $26m
Australian digital marketing services company Rokt has closed a Series B funding round at $26 million led by Moelis Australia Asset Management.
Carlyle, PEP to pay $930m for Australian pharma player
The Carlyle Group and Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) have finalized an agreement to jointly acquire Australia-based iNova Pharmaceuticals for $930 million in cash.
Blackbird joins $12m round for Australia-US marketing player
Blackbird Ventures has led a $12 million round for Sydney and San Francisco-based marketing software provider Autopilot.
Fund focus: Safe hands
With $9.3 billion in dry powder, KKR aims to capitalize on growing big-ticket opportunities in the region. The large and rapid fundraise is further evidence of the flight to quality among LPs
Deal focus: IP Group targets tech commercialization
IP Group has built a business in the UK and US working with universities to turn academic ideas into investable business models. It has now raised $149 million for expansion in Australia and New Zealand
KKR bids $1.6b for Australian telecom player Vocus
KKR has offered to acquire Vocus Group, one of Australia's leading high-speed broadband internet providers, in a deal worth approximately A$2.1 billion ($1.6 billion).