North Asia
Q&A: Japan Post Bank's Tokihiko Shimizu
Japan Post Bank, which has $2 trillion in assets, launched its alternatives division earlier this year. Tokihiko Shimizu, head of private markets investment, discusses where and how the group is likely to invest
Japan's Monstar Lab gets $2.4m round
Monstar Lab, a Japan-based company specializing in global outsourcing services for IT companies, has raised JPY250 million ($2.4 million) from investors including Resona Capital.
Japan's INCJ invests $10m in Treasure Data
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) has invested $10 million in Treasure Data, a Silicon Valley-based big data start-up founded by two Japanese entrepreneurs.
New Horizon pursues legal action over Japan's Sagami
Japanese GP New Horizon Capital has initiated legal action against Sagami, a domestic clothing retailer which it had targeted for acquisition. It claims the company accepted a weaker offer from rival PE bidder Aspirant Group.
Deal focus: J-Star helps Asiro bring law online
Asiro came into being as a means of addressing the demand-supply imbalance in Japan's legal services industry. New owner J-Star will help the company expand its platform
J-Star owned insurer makes bolt-on acquisition
J-Star will take control of Japanese insurance provider Hunel FEA through a bolt-on acquisition by existing portfolio company Nihon Hoken Service.
J-Star acquires Japan’s Asiro
J-Star has acquired Japan’s Asiro, an online marketing platform provider for lawyers, for an undisclosed sum.
Acushnet gains on debut after lowering IPO price
Korea's PE-backed Acushnet Holdings, which owns the Titleist and FootJoy golf brands, saw its shares jump 5.9% in the first day of trading on the New York Stock Exchange following a smaller-than-expected $328.7 million IPO.
STIC raises $530m for Korea special situations fund
STIC Investments has raised $530 million for a special situations fund that will target restructuring opportunities involving South Korean conglomerates.
Japanese strategic buys Mactac from Platinum Equity
Japanese adhesives producer Lintec Corporation has agreed to buy US-headquartered labels manufacturer Mactac from Platinum Equity for $375 million.
Corporate carve-outs: Who's selling?
Certain markets in Asia represent a target-rich environment for corporate carve-outs, but private equity firms must be patient in waiting for deals to emerge
Partners For Growth commits $15m to Yello Mobile's marketing unit
Yello Digital Marketing (YDM), the digital marketing unit of South Korean mobile internet company Yello Mobile, has received $15 million in funding from Partners For Growth (PFG), the PE arm of SVB Financial Group.
IMM closes third Korea fund at $1.15b
IMM Private Equity has closed its third Korea-focused fund at approximately KRW1.25 trillion ($1.15 billion), having seen an uptick in foreign investor participation compared to the previous vehicle.
Deal focus: OSI fills the labor gap
With Japan's demographic crisis promising more labor shortages, CLSA Capital Partners hopes to ride a coming wave of growth in the staffing services industry
Korean PE investors set for partial exits in Acushnet IPO
Several Korean private equity investors are poised to make a partial exit as Acushnet Holdings, owner of the Titleist and FootJoy golf brands, set a target of $463.9 million for its US IPO.
Portfolio: VIG Partners and Samyang Optics
When VIG Partners acquired Korea-based Samyang Optics, the company was a camera lens manufacturer with untapped potential. It is now looking to challenge the global elite
Korea's POBA commits $120m to US mezzanine managers
South Korea’s Public Officials Benefit Association (POBA) has allocated $120 million to US mezzanine funds managed by Crescent Capital Group, Falcon Investment Advisors and GoldPoint Partners.
MBK loses Greater China head KC Kung
Kuo-Chan Kung, partner and head of Greater China at MBK Partners – and a member of the original team that spun out from The Carlyle Group in 2005 – is leaving the firm.
PE-backed Gong Cha Korea to acquire global parent
Gong Cha Korea, the Unison Capital-backed franchise of the global bubble tea franchise Gong Cha, will take a controlling stake in the Taiwan-based parent company.
Deal focus: VIG sees upside in sector that will never die
Korea's ageing population means greater demand for funeral services and smaller household sizes suggest a growing need for support to pay for them. In Good Sangjo, VIG Partners believes it has a business that can capitalize on these trends
CLSA acquires Japanese BPO firm
CLSA Capital Partners has acquired Japanese business process outsourcing (BPO) company Outsourcing Investments (OSI).
Deal focus: Korean start-up looks beyond fintech logjam
Viva Republica's payments app is said to be the fastest-growing of its kind globally, but the company is now looking to expand into other geographies and other areas of financial services
Baring Asia assumes control of fashion label Cath Kidston
Baring Private Equity Asia has acquired TA Associates’ remaining stake in Cath Kidston, taking control of the UK lifestyle retailer.
Genuine Startups, Ideo launch Japanese VC fund
Japan’s Genuine Startups and US design company Ideo have launched a Tokyo-based venture capital unit that will invest in domestic early-stage companies with plans for international expansion.