North Asia
iSigma exits Japan's Sweet Style
ISigma, a mid-size buyout firm controlled by trading and investment conglomerate Marubeni, has exited its 100% stake in Japanese food and beverage company Sweet Style to Mitsuuroko Group.
Secondary volumes decline in 2016 – survey
Global secondary market volume reached $42.15 billion last year, failing to eclipse the consecutive record annual totals of $49.3 billion and $49.6 billion in 2014 and 2015, according to Setter Capital.
NYSTRS commits $100m to MBK's fourth North Asia fund
New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS) has disclosed a commitment of $100 million to MBK Partners’ fourth North Asia buyout fund, which closed at $4.1 billion in December 2016.
VIDEO: Jun Tsusaka, NSSK
Jun Tsusaka, managing partner, CIO and founding member at NSSK, discusses Japan's middle market
Japan succession deals: The long game
Succession planning opportunities are growing in Japan’s middle market as a generation of founders bend to the will of time and commercial pressure. For GPs seeking buyouts, it is all about who you know
IMJ, Opt invest $4.4m in Japan's Enechange
Enechange, which manages an energy price comparison site aimed at Japanese customers, has raised JPY500 million ($4.4 million) from Opt Ventures and IMJ Investment Partners.
Tokio Marine secures $363m second close on Japan fund
Tokio Marine Capital has reached a second close of JPY41.7 billion ($363 million) on its latest Japan mid-market fund. The full target is JPY50 billion.
Japan's Polaris exits Clean Surface Technology
Japan-based Polaris Capital has sold its 100% stake in domestic electronics supplier Clean Surface Technology (CST) to coal mining company Mitsui Matsushima for JPY4 billion ($35 million).
KKR makes $1.3b tender offer for Japan's Hitachi Koki
KKR has launched its second tender offer in two months for a Japanese listed company, submitting a bid for Hitachi Koki that values the power tools manufacturer at JPY147.1 billion ($1.28 billion).
Carlyle promotes SE Asia buyout head Sunil Kaul to partner
The Carlyle Group has promoted Sunil Kaul (pictured), who leads buyout operations in Southeast Asia, from managing director to partner. His is one of 62 senior promotions announced by the firm, of which 15 are Asia-based professionals.
Fund focus: LPs sign up for Axiom’s simple solution
Changes in the market and turnover in the team notwithstanding, Axiom Asia secured $1 billion for a fourth fund much like its previous three: a co-mingled fund-of-funds that offers exposure to hard-to-access GPs
Korea Teachers' Pension appoints new CIO
Korea Teachers’ Pension has appointed David Park, formerly CIO of Allianz Life Insurance Korea, as its new chief investment officer. His two-year term began on January 2.
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