Regions
Tembusu invests $10m in New Zealand’s CricHQ
Singapore-based GP Tembusu Partners has committed $10 million to New Zealand’s CricHQ, a cricket-focused digital platform used by the sport’s administrative bodies as well as by clubs and fans.
India's Edelweiss reaches $205m first close on credit fund
India's Edelwiess Alternative Asset Advisors has reached a $205 million first close on its second credit vehicle, EW Special Opportunities Fund II (ESOF II).
China Everbright mezz fund leads precision casting investment
China Everbright has invested an undisclosed sum in AVIC Precision Casting Science and Technology, an affiliate of Chinese state-owned aerospace and defense company Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), via its RMB Mezzanine Fund.
Qiming, Trustbridge back China education app developer
Chinese online education app developer Xuebajun has raised a $50 million Series B round led by Qiming Venture Partners and Trustbridge Partners, with participation by existing investor Vertex Ventures.
Q&A: The Longreach Group's Masamichi Yoshizawa
The Longreach Group made a name for itself acquiring non-core assets from Japanese corporates. Masamichi Yoshizawa, a partner with the North Asia-focused firm, expects more of these deals
VC in Japan's universities: Getting schooled
For the past decade, Japan’s universities have been working with venture capital to commercialize their research. Recent developments in the public and private sectors suggest this relationship is evolving
Banks and deal-sourcing: Information arbitrage
Japan’s banks do not have the power that they once did to source deals, but they are far from irrelevant. GPs say these institutions still have a role to play, though their advice must be considered carefully
Corporate governance: Thin end of the wedge?
Japan’s corporate governance code will not trigger a torrent of non-core divestments, but it may encourage boards to think strategically about how – and with whom – they can improve performance
Japan consumer: Big spenders
Japan’s gradual economic recovery could deliver a wealth of new opportunities in the consumer space. But to realize true value, private equity firms must look deeper, or in certain cases, further
Japan buyouts: Large check limbo
It is not a phenomenon unique to Japan. Pick a major Asian market with public markets trading at or close to an all-time high and you find a cumulative private equity investment figure that is lagging the previous year’s pace.
First Reserve subscribes to $126m KrisEnergy rights issue
First Reserve will subscribe to a portion of a S$169.5 million ($126 million) rights issue by its investee KrisEnergy. The capital is required to support the oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) company’s development.
VC-backed iDreamSky gets take-private offer
IDreamSky Technology, a VC-backed Chinese mobile game publisher, has received a take-private proposal from its chairman and CEO barely 10 months after going public on NASDAQ.
Japan's Advantage to launch $400m Asia fund
Japanese mid-market GP Advantage Partners is looking to raise a $400 million fund targeting investments opportunities in Asia ex-Japan.
Lafarge buys back Baring Asia's stake in its India unit
French cement maker Lafarge has agreed to buy back Baring Private Equity Asia's stake in its India division, Lafarge India, for EUR270 million ($304 million).
LPs assume control of Exhilway's emerging markets fund
LPs have assumed control of Exhilway Global Opportunities Fund - a vehicle set up by US-based hedge fund and emerging markets private equity GP Exhilway Global - apparently following difficulty sourcing deals.
US-China incubator raises $5m for second seed fund
InnoSpring, a technology incubator platform focused on US and China-based companies, has raised $5 million for its second fund aimed at seed-stage investments.
Alibaba, Tencent-backed online property insurer raises $931m
Zhong An Online Property Insurance, which was set up by Jack Ma and Pony Ma, the founders of Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings, has raised RMB5.78 billion ($931 million) from a group of investors.
Polaris acquires Japan massage salon operator
Japan's Polaris Capital has acquired massage salon chain Factory Japan Group (FJG) for an undisclosed sum. The investment was made via Polaris Private Equity Fund III.
Multiples to up stake in India's PVR Cinemas
Multiples Alternative Asset Management has agreed to invest INR3.5 billion ($54.6 million) in Indian cinema chain PVR Cinema, raising its stake in the company to 19.6%.
Nordic Capital backs Chinese maker of child car seats
European GP Nordic Capital has acquired Max-Inf, a Chinese manufacturer of children's car seats, to complement its existing portfolio investment in UK child safety products firm Britax.
Indian healthcare player La Renon raises $16m from Sequoia
La Renon, an Indian developer and manufacturer of pharmaceutical drugs and services, has raised INR1 billion ($16 million) in Series A funding from Sequoia Capital.
Sequoia, Fosun support take-private for China’s Bona Film Group
Sequoia Capital and Fosun International are supporting a founder-led take-private offer for Bona Film Group that values the US-listed Chinese film distributor at approximately $832 million.
Sequoia's Shen joins China take-private wave
Neil Shen, managing partner at Sequoia Capital China, is supporting take-private bids for budget hotel operator Home Inns and online real estate agency E-House as a growing number of US-listed Chinese companies turn their attention to domestic listings.
Warburg Pincus in partial exit from China Biologic
Warburg Pincus has raised $241.5 million by reducing its stake in US-listed biopharmaceutical developer China Biologic Products.