Southeast Asia
KKR-backed MMI plans $300m high-yield bond issue
MMI International, a KKR portfolio company, plans to issue a $300 million high-yield bond to refinance debts incurred through its 2007 buyout. The move indicates that non-traditional funding channels are opening up for private equity firms at a time when...
Actis launches tool to assess impact of energy investments
Emerging markets private equity firm Actis has unveiled a tool for assessing the sustainability of its energy investments. It aims to capture the key drivers that build value and pinpoint where improvements could be made.
PE financing: Lagging leverage
Spooked by wider economic issues, European banks are pulling back from the leveraged buyout market. This presents a further challenge to private equity firms already adjusting to tighter financing conditions
Political risk tempers LP appetite for Southeast Asia
Insurgent groups and corrupt governments are every investor’s worst nightmare. For those private equity firms operating in the Philippines and Indonesia, they’re also a reality.
Yawadwipa targets $750m buyout of Indonesia’s Bank Mutiara
Yawadwipa, the startup Indonesia-focused merchant banking operation that recently unveiled plans for a $1 billion private equity fund, has express an interest in acquiring state-owned PT Bank Mutiara for around $750 million. The price is based on the...
BC Partners replaces Fitness First management team
BC Partners has axed the core management team of Fitness First in a bid to prevent its portfolio company sinking under the weight of its high-interest loans.
Swire enters the bidding for Baring-backed Courts Asia
Hong Kong conglomerate Swire is reportedly among the bidders for Baring Private Equity Asia-invested electronics and furniture retailer Courts Asia. The sale could be worth close to $400 million.
Singapore Medical to receive $4.5m from Kendall Court
Singapore Medical Group (SMG) will receive a SGD$5.6 million ($4.5 million) investment from Kendall Court, representing the private equity’s first foray into the healthcare sector.
Holm plans to tap Indonesia’s rich
There is no shortage of Indonesia-focused funds seeking capital. Of the established players, Northstar Pacific has already completed fundraising and Saratoga is on course for a final close this year. At least five other first-time GPs are currently in...
CLSA Capital Partners promotes Gary Ng to MD
CLSA Capital Partners has promoted Gary Ng to the position of managing director. He will remain in the firm’s Singapore office overseeing the India and Southeast Asia markets for ARIA Investment Partners.
Dunkin’ Donuts exit reflects consumer appeal
Fast food is a popular commodity among private equity investors in Southeast Asia who are drawn to any asset that could be interpreted a play on rising regional consumption.
IPO woes: Looking for an exit
With the public markets all but closed for IPOs, what other exit routes are available to investors?
Private equity and Asia’s new rich
On two occasions last week, fund managers told me they were looking to attract capital, but not from the standard institutional LP. Is this a coincidence or the start of a new trend? It’s not yet clear. But one contributing factor of which we can be...
Board rejects rival bid for Malaysia’s QSR
Palm oil producer Kulim Malaysia has rejected an offer for its stake in fast food company QSR Brands. Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia (DPMM) offered to pay MYR6.90 per share for Kulim’s holding, slightly higher than a rival bid by CVC Capital Partners...
Cinemacraft receives funding from 500 Startups
Asian interactive media platform provider Cinemacraft has secured funding from US-based business incubator 500 Startups.
Actis moves closer to full management buyout
The UK government is moving closer to the sale of its remaining stake Actis, with the private equity firm’s management team the most likely buyers after a 12-month search failed to deliver any rival bidders. However, deep divisions remain over the price...
General Atlantic branches into Singapore
General Atlantic (GA) has opened an office in Singapore, adding to an Asian presence that already includes bases in Beijing, Mumbai and Hong Kong. Managing Director Abhay Havaldar will lead a team tasked with expanding the private equity firm’s reach...
Kelvin Chan leaves Partners Group’s Asia PE team
Kelvin Chan has stepped down as a managing director with Partners Group’s Asia Pacific private equity team. The global private markets player, which makes primary, secondary and direct investments, has appointed Kelvin Yu in his place.
Navis exits Dunkin’ Donuts, Au Bon Pain in Thailand
Navis Capital Partners has completed the sale of its stake in Dunkin’ Donuts and Au Bon Pain in Thailand to local-listed Sub Sri Thai Public Company (SST) for THB1.32 billion ($41.6 million). It has secured an approximately 2.45x on its initial investment.
Banker formally launches $1b Indonesia fund
A new Indonesian merchant banking operation plans to raise a $1 billion private equity fund that will target investments in the country. If successful, it would be the largest ever Indonesia-focused fund as well as one of the largest vehicles of its type...
Navis-backed EKH bolts on Chinese depot operator
Eng Kong Holdings (EKH), the Singaporean container-services company owned by Navis Capital Partners, has acquired an 85% stake in Best China Development for S$14.3 million ($11.1 million).
Mayban Ventures to invest $399m over next five years
Mayban Ventures, the private equity arm of Maybank, Malaysia’s largest financial group, has announced plans to channel up to RM250 million ($399 million) into Asian deals over the next five years.
Q&A: Hamilton Lane's Mario Giannini
Mario Giannini, CEO of Hamilton Lane, discusses the fundraising climate globally and the impact of massive capital inflows on Asia.
GIC backs Canada’s Osum Oil Sands
Government of Singapore Investment Corp. (GIC) has participated in a $500 million investment in Osum Oil Sands Corp, which is looking to tap Canada’s oil sands and bitumen resources, through a private placement to a combination of new and existing investors.