Region
Leopard backs cross-border kenaf play
When kenaf, an Asian plant known for its short growing cycle, high protein content and strong fibers, was put to practical use, the locals made ropes. Today, its applications are expanding to encompass a wide variety of industries.
Have your say in the China Awards
As anyone who has been reading AVCJ’s coverage in recent months will know, China fundraising disappointed in 2012. Country-focused funds attracted just $23.4 billion, down 51.3% on the previous year. The damage was done in the second half, and mainly...
CVC, RBS complete Samsonite exit
CVC Capital Partners and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) have completed their exit from Hong Kong-listed Samsonite International through a $528 million share sale. The two investors previously made several partial exits from the luggage company since taking...
Standard Chartered exits Shangri-La Malaysia stake to Robert Kuok
Standard Chartered Private Equity (SCPE) has sold its 22.2% stake in Shangri-La Hotels Malaysia to Robert Kuok, allowing the Malaysia tycoon to increase his holding in the company to nearly 75%.
Qianhai funds win approval to raise RMB in Hong Kong - report
Chinese regulators have reportedly given the green light for private equity firms operating in Shenzhen's Qianhai region to raise renminbi offshore to invest in mainland.
KKR sees 5x return on Japan's Intelligence Holdings - Update
KKR will sell Japanese recruitment services provider Intelligence Holdings to Temp Holdings for JPY68 billion ($721 million), including debt. The PE firm's equity exit is worth JPY51 billion ($537 million), putting it on course for a more than 5x money...
Malaysia's EPF eyes more PE opportunities
Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) plans to increase its private equity commitments in 2013, with a particular interest in regional co-investment opportunities.
Canaan Partners to invest $100m in Indian tech
Silicon Valley venture capital investor Canaan Partners is to invest $100 million in India over the next four years from its $600 million ninth fund.
China distress-focused GP Shoreline raises $303m for Fund II
Shoreline Capital, a China-focused special situations investor, has closed its second fund at $303 million. It comes after distress-focused investors in Asia raised a cumulative $2.4 billion in 2012, the highest level seen in six years.
Baring PE Asia abandons Ambow Education take-private
Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA) has abandoned its $108 million take-private bid for Chinese education provider Ambow Education Holding, citing the resignation of four of the New York-listed company’s independent directors and its auditors in the 10...
Qiming, KPCB lead $21.3m Series C investment in Origene
Qiming Venture Partners and KPCB China have led $21.3 million of Series C funding in OriGene Technologies, a biotech company based in the US and China.
FountainVest wins approval for China jewelry take-private
A consortium comprising FountainVest Partners and the chairman and CEO of NASDAQ-listed jeweler LJ International has won board approval to take the company private in a deal worth about $64 million. It is the seventh PE-backed privatization of US-listed...
TNF Ventures leads $560k investment in start-up Tribehired
TNF Ventures has led a S$696,000 ($560,000) seed funding round in social recruitment site Tribehired.
Carlyle exits Japan's Broadleaf through IPO
The Carlyle Group has exited its majority stake in Japanese software company Broadleaf though an IPO on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
New Silk Route's Rajat Gupta sues co-founder
Rajat Gupta, the former Goldman Sachs director who was convicted last year of insider trading, is taking legal action against his co-founder of private equity firm New Silk Route (NSR), claiming breach of contract.
Nominations for the 2013 AVCJ China Awards - final call
Nominations for the 2013 AVCJ China Awards close today. This is the last chance for members of the Asian private equity and venture capital community to put forward candidates to be considered for the nomination shortlist.
Billabong says buyout talks continue, despite share slump
Embattled Australian surfwear manufacturer Billabong International has said that talks continue with two prospective buyers, seeking to reassure the market after the company’s stock price plunged to a record low on Thursday.
CVCI invests in BPO firm SourceHOV, Apollo exits
Citi Venture Capital international (CVCI) has invested in SourceHOV, a largely India-based business process out-sourcing (BPO) firm. The deal will see CVCI buy out other minority shareholders including Apollo Global Management. The value of the deal has...
CVC-backed Matahari prices offering near top of revised range
CVC Capital Partners and its local partner have priced their Matahari Department Store offering at IDR10,850 ($1.11) per share, putting them on course to raise about $1.3 billion through a partial exit.
Electric Sheep Capital, DMP invest $3.2m in Singapore's AdzCentral
Electric Sheep Capital and Digital Media Partners have invested s$4 million ($3.2 million) of Series A funding in AdzCentral, an advertising technology company based in Singapore.
Singapore's Golden Gate Ventures eyes Series A fund
Singapore-based Golden Gate Ventures is planning to raise a second fund focusing on Series A investments in Southeast Asian tech companies. A source with knowledge of the matter said the fund would launch within 12 months, targeting around $40 million....
JAFCO invests $5.3m in group buying site Luxa
JAFCO has invested JPY500 million ($5.3 million) in Luxa, a Japanese group buying site, as part of a Series B round.
Quadria Capital buys India's Milestone Religare
Quadria Capital, which is currently raising a healthcare fund focused on South Asia and Southeast Asia, has acquired Milestone Religare Investment Advisors. Milestone Capital, joint owner of the asset alongside Religare Enterprises, had been looking for...
VIDEO: Edward Epstein of Troutman Sanders
Private equity investment in China’s real estate sector will become more specialized as it matures, with healthcare and old age care among the key segments to watch, says Edward Epstein, managing partner of Troutman Sanders’ Shanghai office