North Asia
Samsung launches $150m global VC fund
Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics has launched a $150 million global venture capital fund via its US-based incubation and acceleration unit.
Israel's Yozma to invest $41m in Korean health tech start-ups
Israeli venture capital firm Yozma Group has agreed to invest KRW50 billion ($41.4 million) in Korean biotechnology and healthcare start-ups, starting in the first half of 2017.
AVCJ Awards 2016: Deal of the Year - Mid Cap: Wendy's Japan
Keen to leverage growth in fast-casual dining, The Longreach Group realized a rare inroad into Japan’s chain restaurant space by pairing Wendy’s with local operator First Kitchen
AVCJ Awards 2016: Exit of the Year - Large Cap: Loen Entertainment
Vertical integration and growing interest in Korean media assets enabled Affinity Equity Partners to secure a strong return on Loen Entertainment, far quicker than anticipated
Japan's AGC Asahi Glass buys PE-owned CMC Biologics
Japanese glass, ceramic and chemicals maker AGC Asahi Glass has paid JPY60 billion ($510 million) for CMC Biologics, a Denmark-based biopharmaceutical manufacturer backed by several private equity firms.
KTB, Q Capital agree $354m exit from Korea's Dongbu Express
A consortium led by KTB Private Equity and Q Capital Partners has agreed to sell Korea-based logistics provider Dongwu Express to local conglomerate Dongwon Group for KRW420 billion ($354 million).
Korea's Memebox gets extended Series C round
South Korean beauty products e-commerce company Memebox has raised another $60 million in an extended Series C round of funding.
Japan's Outsourcing buys Orizon from European GP
Japanese employment services company Outsourcing has agreed to acquire German jobs portal operator Orizon, providing an exit for UK-based private equity firm Silverfleet Capital.
Hahn & Co, Ssangyong Cement bid for Hyundai Cement
Hahn & Co. is continuing its consolidation efforts in Korea’s cement industry, having teamed up with listed Ssangyong Cement – in which it holds a controlling stake – to bid for industry rival Hyundai Cement.
Cassia backs $40m investment in China retail
Cassia Investments has supported Japanese clothing maker Evisu Group's $40 million buy-back of its China retail and franchising rights.
Portfolio: The Longreach Group and Primo Japan
The Longreach Group bought Primo Japan last year to bring its bridal jewelry focus region-wide. China expansion is the first step toward the company’s Asian leadership
The crystal ball: Predictions for 2017
From LPs looking for realizations from GPs as well as paper gains, to the factors contributing to more buyout opportunities in China, industry participants give their perspectives on the year to come
2016 in review: Uncertainty reigns
Infrastructure and late-stage technology among the few investment bright spots; renminbi vehicles dominate the fundraising landscape; public market instability undermines exit plans
Japan's Global Brain targets $174m for sixth fund
Japanese venture capital firm Global Brain has launched its sixth fund, targeting JPY20 billion ($174 million), which will be deployed in domestic technology companies.
Two Korean strategics confirm bids for PE-owned Daesung
South Korean conglomerates Hyosung Corporation and SK Group have both entered the bidding for Daesung Industrial Gases, an industrial gas maker controlled by a Goldman Sachs-led consortium.
Japan's Polaris agrees sale of SWP to Isetan Mitsukoshi
Polaris Capital has agreed to sell SWP Holdings, a Japanese salon and sports club operator it acquired in 2013, to department store group Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings (IMH) for an undisclosed sum.
KDDI to buy Biglobe from Japan Industrial Partners
Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) has agreed to sell Japanese internet service provider Biglobe to KDDI Group for approximately JPY80 billion ($699 million), nearly three years after it carved out the asset from NEC.
MBK closes fourth North Asia fund at $4.1b
MBK Partners has reached a first and final close on its fourth North Asia-focused buyout fund at $4.1 billion, a significant step up from the $2.7 billion it raised for Fund III.
Anchor-led group invests $107m in Korean mobile content platform
A consortium led by Anchor Equity Partners has committed KRW125 billion ($107 million) to Podotree, the mobile content platform of Korean internet giant Kakao.
INCJ to invest $45m in UK freeze-dried food company
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) has committed up to $45 million as part of a joint acquisition of UK-based freeze-dried food manufacturer Chaucer Food.
Integral acquires majority stake in Tokyo-listed wig maker
Integral Corp. has acquired a majority interest in Aderans, a Japan-based provider of male and female wigs, for JPY17.1 billion ($150 million).
WiL leads $26m round for Japan cross-border e-commerce site
Inagora, a cross-border e-commerce platform that focuses on selling Japanese products, has completed a Series B round of funding worth $26 million led by World Innovation Lab (WiL), a US and Japan-based early-stage investor.
MBK submits tender offer for Tokyo-listed Accordia Golf
MBK Partners has submitted a tender offer for listed Japanese golf course operator Accordia Golf that values the business at approximately JPY102.5 billion ($912 million).
Draper Nexus raises $175m for US-Japan fund
US-Japan cross-border investment firm Draper Nexus Venture Partners has closed its second fund at $175 million.