Consumer
Xiaomi: The view from the top
Chinese smart phone manufacturer Xiaomi has become the world’s most valuable start-up, following a $1.1 billion round. Does its growth trajectory tally with the $45 billion price tag?
China’s Wanda E-Commerce raises $160m
Wanda E-Commerce, a joint venture set up by China’s largest commercial property operator Wanda Group, Baidu and Tencent Holdings, has raised RMB1 billion ($160 million) from two offshore internet investment funds.
Fosun consortium set to win battle for Club Med
A consortium led by Fosun International looks set to emerge victorious from the long-running battle for Club Méditerranée (Club Med) after rival bidder Global Resorts withdrew from the process.
RRJ, Jollibee secure Dunkin' Donuts China franchise
RRJ Capital has teamed up with Philippines-based quick service restaurant operator Jollibee Foods Corporation to launch Dunkin’ Donuts in China.
PEP exits Australian cinema chain Hoyts to Chinese buyer
Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) has exited Australian cinema operator Hoyts Group to an investment vehicle set up by Xishuang Sun, chairman of Chinese property developer Dalian Yifang.
PE-backed Indian retailer Monte Carlo sinks below IPO price
Shares of Samara Capital-backed Indian apparel brand Monte Carlo Fashions remain at a 9% deficit to the IPO price despite a small rally on December 22, the second day of trading.
India's Flipkart raises $700m round
Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart has completed another round of funding worth $700 million from a combination of new and existing investors. The company has now raised $1.9 billion in 2014 and around $2.8 billion since inception.
Thai Union buys Bumble Bee from Lion Capital for $1.5b
Thai Union Frozen Products, the world’s largest producer of canned seafood, has agreed to buy Bumble Bee Seafoods from US-based GP Lion Capital for $1.5 billion.
Fosun consortium raises offer for Club Med yet again
A consortium led by Fosun International has submitted another improved offer for Club Méditerranée (Club Med) – extending a process that has already more than 18 months and during which the bidding price has risen nearly 45%.
TPG-backed retailer Li Ning seeks to raise $218m
Struggling Chinese sportswear retailer Li Ning plans to raise up to HK$1.69 billion ($218 million) through a share offering, with existing investors TPG Capital, Milestone Capital and GIC Private all agreeing to participate.
EQT bakery investment proves out
EQT's 2010 acquisition of a controlling stake in Chongqing New Qinyuan Bakery – which it has just exited to Swire Pacific – was something of a coup for the European mid-market GP. Not only did the firm overcome several competitors, but it also managed...
Hony takes a trip to Tuniu
A private funding round was not Tuniu’s original plan. Earlier this month, the US-listed Chinese online package tour provider informed regulators that it wanted to raise $100 million via a public offering.
L Capital-owned Jones the Grocer enters administration in Australia
The Australian operation of Jones the Grocer, a gourmet food retailer majority-owned by L Capital Asia, has gone into administration but is expected to stay open while undergoing a restructuring.
H Capital leads round for China childcare e-commerce site
H Capital has led a Series C round of funding worth $60 million for Beijing Huawang Online Commerce, which operates childcare-focused Chinese e-commerce platform Miyabaobei.com.
Hony leads $148m investment in VC-backed tour operator Tuniu
Hony Capital has led a $148 million round of funding for Tuniu, a US-listed Chinese online package tour provider backed by DCM, Temasek Holdings, Gobi Partners and Sequoia Capital.
VC-backed China dating-app gains 26% on US trading debut
Chinese VC-backed mobile dating app Momo gained 26% on its first day of trading on NASDAQ following a $216 million IPO.
General Atlantic-backed Xiabu Xiabu targets $146m HK IPO
Xiabu Xiabu, a Chinese hotpot chain backed by General Atlantic, is seeking to raise up to HK$1.13 billion ($146 million) through a Hong Kong IPO.
Founder of China’s Momo hit with misconduct accusations ahead of IPO
Tang Yan, CEO and founder of Chinese VC-backed mobile dating app Momo - which is about to list in the US - has been accused of misconduct while employed by NetEase, his former place of work.
BlackRock PE leads $300m round for Korea’s Coupang
BlackRock Private Equity Partners has led a $300 million round of funding for Coupang, South Korea’s largest online retailer. It has now raised nearly $500 million from private investors.
AVCJ Awards: Exit of the Year - Mid Cap: United Cinemas
United Cinemas was struggling in the face of macro headwinds and low consumer confidence, but Advantage Partners’ saw the bigger picture and delivered blockbuster returns
AVCJ Awards: Exit of the Year - IPO: Alibaba Group
Alibaba Group’s IPO validated Silver Lake’s faith in the business. Ken Hao, a managing partner at the PE firm, expects the company to go from strength to strength, both in and outside China
AVCJ Awards: Deal of the Year - Venture Capital: Flipkart
Flipkart received $1 billion in funding from a consortium of investors in July. It is ammunition for the arms race currently consuming India’s e-commerce industry
AVCJ Awards: Operational Value Add & Exit of the Year - Large Cap: Oriental Brewery
Affinity Equity Partners and KKR made Oriental Brewery the market leader in Korea’s beer industry, then exited via Asia’s largest-ever trade sale. For this and other activities, Affinity was also named Firm of the Year
Chinese taxi-booking app Didi Dache raises $700m
Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, DST Global and Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings have led a new round of funding worth $700 million for Didi Dache, a Chinese taxi-booking app.