Australasia
KKR exits French energy firm to Australia's First State
KKR has sold its stake in French district heating provider Coriance to First State Investments, the asset management division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
AVCAL calls for reforms ahead of Australian election
The Australian Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (AVCAL) is urging major political parties to do more to help scale up domestic companies ahead of a federal election next month.
Carlyle hires ex-Johnson & Johnson chair to advise Asia buyout
The Carlyle Group has hired Jesse Wu, the former chairman of Johnson & Johnson China, as a senior advisor to the firm’s Asia buyout team.
Carlyle appoints new Australia, New Zealand buyout head - update
The Carlyle Group has promoted David Bluff to managing director and head of its buyout team in Australia and New Zealand. He was previously a director with the firm.
Resource Capital Funds to buy Australia's Ausenco
Resource Capital Funds has agreed to buy Ausenco, an Australia-listed mining services business struggling as a result of the commodities downturn, at an enterprise value of A$153.7 million ($113.3 million).
Australia's Starfish in $17.5m China push for US marketing company
Australian VC firm Starfish Ventures has joined a $17.5 million round for Aktana, a US and Japan-based marketing services provider looking to consolidate its Asian footprint.
Australia's Laguna Bay reaches $208m first close on agri fund
Australian agriculture fund manager Laguna Bay Pastoral Company has reached a first close of A$280 million ($208.5 million) on its second investment vehicle for institutional investors.
New Zealand VC: Apprehensive eruption
After a dormant 2015 during which no funds were raised, New Zealand has seen a flurry of activity in the first half of this year. It is piquing enthusiasm – albeit cautiously – for a fledgling VC space
PE-backed Jones the Grocer folds in Australia again
The Australian operation of Jones the Grocer, a gourmet food retailer backed by L Capital Asia, has entered voluntary administration for the second time in two years.
PEP agrees buyout of Australia's Patties
Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) has made a formal offer to buy Australian snack maker Patties Foods for A$230 million ($166 million).
Australia's ALS rejects Advent, Bain buyout offer
Australian testing services company ALS has rejected a buyout offer from Advent International and Bain Capital that valued the company at about A$2.7 billion ($1.9 billion).
Australia's CapitalPitch launches $7m early-stage fund
Australia-based start-up networking platform CapitalPitch has launched a fund focused on early stage investments, with a target size of at least A$10 million ($7.3 million).
Deal focus: Securing a nation’s digital vaults
Data Republic has attracted Series A funding from some of Australia’s biggest companies, with a notable showing by the major banks demonstrating a growing focus on data security investment in the financial sector
Blackstone invests $134m in New Zealand's Partners Life
The Blackstone Group’s tactical opportunities division has made a NZ$200 million ($134.5 million) investment in New Zealand insurance provider Partners Life.
PEP launches $165m takeover bid for Australia's Patties
Australian GP Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) has launched a bid to buy snack maker Patties Foods in a deal that values the company at A$203 million ($165 million).
L Capital supports acquisition of global rights to Jones the Grocer
L Capital Asia has taken a significant minority stake in a company that has acquired the global rights to Jones the Grocer, a gourmet food retailer that originated in Australia.
Portfolio: The Riverside Company and Simcro
The Riverside Company believes New Zealand’s Simcro has what it takes to build its animal health device business worldwide, and is using its global reach and long-term perspective to help the company succeed
Australian agriculture: Investor stampede
Australia’s politically charged beef industry has attracted a wave of new investment, much of it driven by overseas buyers. As this interest elevates valuations and emotions, PE firms must capture value with care
Australia's Data Republic gets $7.6m Series A round
Australia-based financial technology company Data Republic has received $10.5 million ($7.6 million) in funding from National Australia Bank (NAB), Westpac and Qantas.
Sydney exchange creates small cap platform
The Sydney Stock Exchange (SSX) has initiated development of a blockchain-based equities market settlement and registration system that is expected to facilitate exits for VC firms.
Quadrant exits data center business to Infratil, Commonwealth Super
Quadrant Private Equity will exit Australia-based Canberra Data Centers (CDC) as listed infrastructure investor Infratil and Commonwealth Superannuation Corp. (CSC) agreed to buy a majority stake in the business for A$784 million ($565 million).
NZVIF appoints new CEO
New Zealand Venture Investment Fund (NZVIF), a government-sponsored VC fund-of-funds, has appointed Richard Dellabarca as its new CEO. He replaces Franceska Banga, who has led the fund since its inception in 2002.
Aura launches Australia-focused VC fund
Aura Group, an Australia and Singapore-based fund management and investment business, is raising an Australia-focused venture capital fund with a target corpus of A$30 million ($21.8 million).
Australia-founded BigCommerce raises $30m round
BigCommerce, an e-commerce software provider founded in Australia but now based in the US, has raised a $30 million Series E round led by GGV Capital. It has now received more than $155 million in funding.