Southeast Asia
Deal focus: PE proves the right fit for fintech
Creador has exited its stake in Malaysian financial technology company GHL Group to Actis after scanning a field of strategics and deciding PE was the best backer for the sector
Jafco invests $12m in Singapore adtech firm AdAsia
Jafco Asia has invested $12 million in a Series A funding round for Singapore-based advertising technology company AdAsia Holdings.
The devil you know: PE and Southeast Asian entrepreneurs
Due to a shortage of companies in Southeast Asia that have proved themselves capable of working private equity, when GPs identify a group they like it is not uncommon for them to work together more than once
Deal focus: KKR returns to Masan, PENM exits
KKR will team up with Vietnam's Masan Group for a second time, committing $250 million to the parent and its meat industry subsidiary. The GP's entry facilitates a partial exit for long-standing investor PENM Partners
Grab buys VC-backed Indonesian e-commerce player Kudo
Southeast Asian ride-hailing app operator Grab has agreed to acquire Kudo, an Indonesian online-to-offline (O2O) e-commerce start-up backed by a number of venture capital firms.
KKR commits $250 million to second Vietnam consumer play
KKR has entered into a second partnership with Masan Group – just over a year after exiting the first with a more than 2x return – through a $250 million commitment to the Vietnamese conglomerate and its branded meat subsidiary.
Actis invests in Malaysia’s GHL, Creador exits
Emerging markets-focused private equity firm Actis has invested MYR290 million ($65.6 million) in Malaysia-listed payment services provider GHL Group, facilitating a full exit for Creador.
Japan's IMJ Investment rebrands as Spiral
Japanese GP IMJ Investment Partners has spun out from its corporate parent and changed its name to Spiral Ventures.
TPG buys majority stake in Vietnam school, Mekong exits
TPG Capital has agreed to acquire a controlling position in Vietnam Australia International School (VAS), facilitating an exit for existing backers Mekong Capital and Denmark-based MAJ Invest.
Gateway invests in Singapore's Healthway Medical
Singapore-based private equity firm Gateway Partners has agreed to invest S$70 million ($50.2 million) in distressed local hospital operator Healthway Medical.
Riverside makes Malaysia chemicals bolt-on
The Riverside Company has completed its second deal in Malaysia as Drex-Chem Malaysia (now known as DCM Asia), the chemicals distributor it bought in 2014, acquired Erapoly Marketing.
Singapore auto marketplace Carro gets $12m
A group of Southeast Asian VCs have committed $12 million to Singaporean automobile marketplace Carro as part of an operational expansion into artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled car financing services.
Due diligence: Behind the curve
Gaining an accurate impression of an industry is vital for investors, but this can be difficult in markets where information is patchy or unreliable. Those who hope to prosper must learn to judge data carefully
Northstar completes Innovalues acquisition, targets bolt-ons
Northstar Group has completed its S$331.4 million ($238 million) acquisition of Singapore-listed precision components manufacturer Innovalues, outlining plans for bolt-on acquisitions.
Thailand's Bangkok Bank launches fintech accelerator
Bangkok Bank has launched a start-up accelerator to support financial technology development in Thailand. Hong Kong venture investor Nest will co-manage the program.
OCP Asia raises $200m direct lending fund
Hong Kong and Singapore-based hedge fund manager OCP Asia has raised a $200 million direct lending vehicle to make private equity-style credit investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME).
Germany's Hubert Burda seeks Series B deals in SE Asia
The investment arm of Hubert Burda Media, a European technology and media company that has made LP commitments to several Southeast Asia-focused venture capital funds, has opened an office in Singapore.
Profile: Venturra Partners' Stefan Jung
Stefan Jung has spent five years in Southeast Asia’s start-up scene, first as a leader at Rocket Internet and then as a VC investor. He believes the region is just beginning to unlock its potential.
B Capital adds investment partner
B Capital Group has hired former Eight Roads Ventures managing director Kabir Narang as an investment partner in Singapore.
Australia launches incubator in Singapore
The Australian government has launched a start-up incubation program in Singapore that will focus on emerging industries, including services, and support new export market opportunities.
PE and smart manufacturing: Intelligent designs
The emergence of internet-connected manufacturing has created a new investment area that will impact adjacent sectors and even entire economies for decades to come. PE is among the early movers
CPPIB, CDPQ form Southeast Asia logistics partnership
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has teamed up with Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Australia-headquartered property company Logos to develop logistics projects in Singapore and Indonesia.
Northstar withdraws interest in Singapore-listed Spindex
Northstar Group has withdrawn its interest in Singapore-listed precision components manufacturer Spindex Industries after a consortium led by the company’s chairman acquired a more than 50% stake in the business, putting it on course for a buyout.
Dymon reaches $20m first close on VC fund
Singapore-based hedge fund Dymon Asia Capital has reached a first close of $20 million on its debut venture capital vehicle.