North Asia
JC Flowers to buy Chi-X's Asia trading platforms
J.C. Flowers has agreed to buy the Australia and Japan businesses of Chi-X Global Holdings, an alternative equity trading platform that competes with primary exchanges, as well as the company’s Hong Kong-based technology services unit.
PE-backed e-Shang boosts Asia footprint through merger
China-based warehousing operator e-Shang, which was founded by two local entrepreneurs in conjunction with Warburg Pincus, has agreed to merge with Asian counterpart Redwood Group as it builds scale towards a public market listing.
New business needs drive VC funding demands
The venture capital market in Asia is set for growth as new market segments - notably technology-enabled business services - emerge with unmet needs.
Japan's ChatWork raises $12.5 Series B round
Japan-based business chat platform ChatWork has raised $12.5 million in Series B funding from Jafco, SMBC Venture Capital and GMO Venture Partners.
Korea's KIC appoints new CEO
Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) has appointed Sung-Soo Eun, most recently an executive director at the World Bank, as its CEO. He will also serve as chairman of the sovereign wealth fund’s board.
Japan's J-Star buys nursing care business
J-Star has made another investment intended to leverage Japan’s aging population with the acquisition of Platia, a nursing services business that specializes in caring for people with dementia.
DBJ, Japan Wind Development to form $423m fund
The Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) and Japan Wind Development (JWD) – a local developer acquired last year by Bain Capital – have agreed to launch a JPY50 billion ($424 million) wind power fund.
Japan CRM start-up raises $16.9m Series C
Japanese customer relationship management (CRM) software developer Sansan has raised a S$24.2 million ($16.9 million) Series C round led by DCM.
Affinity set for over 6x return on Korea's Loen Entertainment - Update
Affinity Equity Partners is set for a more than 6x return on its investment in Loen Entertainment, the Korean equivalent of iTunes, following Kakao Corporation's agreement to buy a majority stake in the business.
Deal focus: IMM initiates unlikely media merger
Korean VC player IMM Investment convinces magazine publisher Design House and e-commerce business Oheim that together they can be stronger
Taiwan ITRI, Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ launch VC fund
Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group have jointly set up a second venture capital fund with a target of NT$2.5 billion ($75 million).
Japan’s Skyland raises $10m VC fund
Tokyo-based early-stage investor Skyland Ventures has raised JYP1.2 billion ($10 million) for its second VC fund.
Fuji Startup Ventures backs Japan's The Bridge
Fuji Startup Ventures (FSV), the VC arm of Japan's Fuji TV network, has committed an undisclosed amount of funding to Tokyo-based start-up news site The Bridge, alongside public relations company PR Times.
Fenox commits Series D to Japan's Geniee
Fenox Venture Capital has committed an undisclosed amount of Series D funding to Japan-based adtech start-up Geniee.
Bain agrees to sell stake in Japan's Jupiter Shop
Bain Capital has agreed to sell its entire 50% stake in Japan's Jupiter Shop Channel to Jupiter Communication (J:COM), a company part-owned by Sumitomo Corporation. Bain bought its interest from Sumitomo at a valuation of JPY100 billion (then $1.3 billion)...
VIG Partners buys Korean PVC window maker
VIG Partners – which recently changed its corporate name from Vogo Investment – has agreed to buy Winche, a South Korea-based manufacturer of PVC windows, for KRW135 billion ($114 million).
The crystal ball: Predictions for 2016
From Australia to China and buyouts to venture, industry participants give their perspectives on the year to come for fundraising, investments, and exits
SMFG agrees to buy GE's Japan leasing unit for $4.8b
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) has agreed to buy GE Capital’s Japan leasing business for JPY575 billion ($4.8 billion) as parent company General Electric continues to pare its assets.
Formation 8 leads round for Korea's Yello Mobile
Formation 8 has re-upped in South Korean mobile internet company Yello Mobile, leading a $47.2 million financing round. The capital will be used to strengthen the company’s business domestically and across Asia.
AVCJ Awards 2015: Exit of the Year - Mid Cap: Bushu Pharmaceuticals
Tokio Marine aimed to awaken the ambition of Japan’s Bushu Pharmaceuticals and show how a good GP can turn companies around. A 6x return was its reward
AVCJ Awards 2015: Deal of the Year - Large Cap: Halla Visteon Climate Control
Hahn & Co spent three years talking to Visteon about its Korean subsidiary Halla Visteon Climate Control before sealing a proprietary deal supported by innovative funding
AVCJ Awards 2015: Deal of the Year - Mid Cap: SBI Life Living
Advantage Partners leveraged its expertise in corporate carve-outs to acquire SBI Life Living. It plans to split the business in two so that each half can achieve its full potential
AVCJ Awards 2015: Firm of the Year: Bain Capital
Bain Capital enjoyed its most active year in Asia as positive experiences from previous deals and proactive engagement with entrepreneurs helped deliver a string of new investments
Deal focus: J-Star sees low-voltage potential
Japan-based energy savings solutions provider ESCO is expected to benefit from increased consumer awareness of efficiency issues and a shake-up in the broader utilities space