Consumer
CITIC Capital rolls out new VC fund
CITIC Capital, partly-owned by Chinese Investment Corp. (CIC) and CITIC Group, has reached a first close of $60 million for its new venture capital fund. The vehicle represents the private equity firm's first foray into VC.
Asia’s aspirational brands: It’s how you pick ‘em
Should we be surprised that L Capital, the private equity arm of luxury goods giant LVMH, thinks its Asia operations have the capacity to handle a $1 billion fund? Given the scale of consumer sector opportunities in the region, not really. But a more...
Narula to sell Lilliput, allowing Bain and TPG to exit
Lilliput, the kidswear brand that has been embroiled in bitter fight with shareholders Bain Capital and TPG Capital, plans to sell off its brands and retail business.
CVC cuts price for Nine’s magazine division – report
CVC Asia Pacific is reportedly willing to listen to offers of as little as A$300 million ($323 million) – or 3x earnings – for Nine Entertainment’s magazine division after receiving little interest from prospective buyers. The sale of ACP Magazines...
TPG submits Billabong takeover bid despite initial rebuff
TPG Capital has made its A$765 million ($825 million) bid for Billabong regardless of the Australian surfwear company’s attempt to head off a takeover by announcing both the partial sale of one of its most profitable brands and plans to close 150 stores....
L Capital plans $1b Asia fund
L Capital Asia, the private equity arm of French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, could start raising a new fund of more than $1 billion this year.
L Capital buys Wolfensohn's Fabindia stake
L Capital Asia, the private equity arm of LVMH, has bought Wolfensohn Capital Partners' 8% stake in Indian fashion company Fabindia. The company, which is seeking capital to fund expansion, has been talking to potential investors for months.
Billabong suspends trading amid reports of TPG bid
Australian surf-wear manufacturer Billabong International has suspended trading amid reports that TPG Capital has tabled a buyout offer for the company. The move comes as Billabong looks for ways to manage a A$600 million debt pile, with net profit expected...
IDG, SAIF inject $14m into Firstcry.com
IDG Ventures India and SAIF Partners have led a $14 million Series B round for Indian e-commerce start-up Brainbees Solutions, which runs the First Cry and GoodLife websites. The deal is thought to be one of India’s biggest venture investments in a...
L Capital invests in Chinese fashion company - updated
L Capital Asia, the private equity unit of multinational luxury giant LVMH, has invested $200 million in Trendy International Group, a Chinese casual-wear company, contrary to an earlier report in the South China Morning Post that put the price at $2...
L Capital expands China portfolio with $2b investment
L Capital Asia, the private equity unit of multinational luxury giant LVMH, has reportedly purchased a 10% stake in China fashion company Ochirly for US$2 billion. It is another indication of the brand’s ambition to expand its portfolio in the world's...
Thomas Cook plans to sell its Indian arm
Thomas Cook has initiated a process to sell its 77% stake in Thomas Cook India, a transaction intended to bring down its debt up to GBP890 million ($1.4 billion). Several Private equity investors are said to be potential suitors.
TPG, Bain in talks to invest $50m in Parag Milk - sources
TPG Capital India and Bain Capital are said to be in advanced talks with India’s Parag Milk Foods about purchasing $50 million worth of shares in the dairy products manufacturer.
Verlinvest acquires 20% of Everstone’s restaurant business
Family office Verlinvest, has acquired a 20% stake in Cuisine Asia, a Mauritius-based holding company set up by Everstone Capital to manage its food and beverage assets.
Unitas takes a bite out of Babela’s
Everyone loves pizza and chicken wings, and none more so than Unitas Capital. The regional buyout firm, which paid $40 million for a majority stake in Chinese restaurant chain Babela’s last week, plans to kick off its list of operational improvements...
Wolseley exits Freshmax to Maui Capital
From cattle ranchers to fruit and vegetable farmers, PE interest in Australasia’s agricultural space is wide-ranging. In each case, investors are seeking to leverage the perception, particularly in Asia, that produce from Australia and New Zealand is...
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.
TPG eyes PacBrands takeover
TPG and a syndicate of banks are reportedly preparing a takeover bid for listed Australian clothing and related consumer brands wholesaler Pacific Brands (PacBrands).
TPG faces a challenge in Li Ning
TPG Capital worked its magic on women’s shoe retailer Daphne three years ago, but can it do the same for beleaguered Chinese sportswear chain Li Ning? Investors clearly hoped as much, with the Hong Kong-listed company’s stock rising 20% in response...
Unitas backs Chinese casual dining chain Babela’s
Unitas Capital has invested $40 million in Chinese restaurant chain Babela’s Group, best known for operating an Italian-themed casual dining chain that has over 120 outlets in Shanghai and Beijing, as well as in tier-two and tier-three cities. The company...
MCap-backed Jyothy Labs secures $110m loan
Jyothy Laboratories, the Indian consumer products maker backed by MCap Fund Advisors, has raised an INR5.5 billion ($110 million) loan to refinance its debt.
TPG, GIC recues Li Ning with $119m convertible bonds
Hong Kong-listed Li Ning, the leading Chinese sportswear brand, announced on Thursday that it has sold RMB750 million ($119 million) in convertible bonds to TPG Capital and Government of Singapore Investment Corp. (GIC). This follows the company's disappointing...
SC Lowy in talks for $125m Kingfisher deal - report
Distressed debt specialist SC Lowy is said to be in talks with India’s second-largest airline, Kingfisher, about a possible $125 million investment.