Infrastructure
Australia's PEP considers infrastructure fund
Pacific Equity Partners (PEP), currently Australia’s largest domestic buyout player, plans to raise an infrastructure fund with a view to applying operational knowhow from private equity to investments in a different asset class.
Energy storage: Held in reserve
Energy storage has the potential to benefit Asia’s renewable power developers and traditional utilities, but regulatory obstacles must be removed first. PE can help the industry over its current hurdles
High valuations push Australian LPs up the infrastructure risk curve
Australian institutional investors are responding to rising valuations in the core infrastructure space by moving up the risk curve into more opportunistic assets – and domestic pricing pressure is also expected to lead to higher emerging markets allocations....
Armstrong makes debut exit from Thailand's Symbior
Singapore-based Armstrong Asset Management has secured a first exit from its Southeast Asia-focused cleantech fund, selling its entire stake in six solar projects controlled by Thailand’s Symbior Solar Siam.
Data centers: The information edge
Asia’s booming online economies have created unprecedented demand for data center services, but private equity investors still must determine the best way to approach the industry
Japan's KDDI to acquire VC-backed Soracom
Soracom, a Japanese internet of things (IoT) communications platform that has several VC backers, will be acquired by domestic telecom operator KDDI Corporation.
IDFC acquires India solar portfolio
IDFC Alternatives has acquired a portfolio of solar power assets in India from US-based renewable energy developer First Solar Group.
Korea's SK invests $334m in PE-backed e-Shang Redwood
Korean conglomerate SK Group has agreed to invest KRW372 billion ($334 million) in pan-Asian logistics player e-Shang Redwood (ESR), valuing the private equity-backed business at approximately $2.8 billion.
Competition heats up for Australia data center business
Asia Pacific Data Centre Trust (APDC), a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns three data centers in Australia, has received a second takeover bid from existing shareholder NextDC.
Southeast Asia cleantech: Joining the crowd
Despite growing investment opportunities, LPs are still skeptical about renewable energy in Southeast Asia. Development and operating platforms may be the way to break the stalemate
360 Capital seeks buyout of Australia data center business
Australian property funds manager 360 Capital is seeking to acquire Asia Pacific Data Centre Trust (APDC), a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns three data centers in Australia.
Deal focus: PE lights up CleanMax's global plans
Indian rooftop solar panel company CleanMax Solar is looking to expand its geographic footprint and operational range on the back of a fresh commitment of $100 million from Warburg Pincus. The Middle East and energy storage will be initial focus areas...
Renewable energy still faces challenges to viability in Asia
Renewable energy has a way to go before it represents a consistent source of investment opportunities in Asia despite a strong push in recent years, investors told the Infrastructure Investors Forum.
Singapore's GLP accepts $11.5b Hopu, Hillhouse-backed buyout offer
Singapore-listed warehouse operator Global Logistic Properties (GLP) has accepted a buyout offer from a consortium including Hopu Investment and Hillhouse Capital that values the company at S$15.9 billion ($11.5 billion).
Warburg Pincus invests $100m in India's CleanMax
Warburg Pincus has committed $100 million to CleanMax Solar, an Indian rooftop solar panel company backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Bessemer Venture Partners.
Frontier markets: Late to the boom
Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar are among the last frontier markets in Asia but well positioned to benefit from accelerating interest in the ASEAN region. Private equity success will require a nimble approach
Affinity submits $1.6b offer for Australia's Vocus
Affinity Equity Partners has submitted a bid to buy Australian high-speed broadband internet provider Vocus Group for about A$2.2 billion ($1.6 billion), matching an offer made by KKR.
Eastspring invests $500m in IFC infrastructure program
Eastspring Investments, an Asia-focused asset management business of Prudential, will invest $500 million in an emerging markets infrastructure development program managed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
PE-backed IEX files for India IPO
Online energy trading platform India Energy Exchange (IEX) has filed for an IPO, providing a partial exit for several private equity backers.
OPIC to invest $195m in India, Indonesia
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), a development finance institution (DFI) backed by the US government, has approved $195 million for investments in India and Indonesia.
Fairfax India ups Bangalore airport stake to 48%
Fairfax India Holdings will invest INR12.9 billion ($200 million) for a 10% stake in Bangalore International Airport (BIAL), raising its total holding to 48%.
India's IL&FS names new CEO for PE unit
IL&FS Investment Managers (IIML), the private equity arm of India's Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS, has appointed Krishna Kumar, previously a senior managing partner, as CEO.
Prostar buys majority stake in Korean gas distributor
Energy-focused private equity firm Prostar Capital and its co-investor BlackRock have acquired Korean gas distributor Kyungnam Energy, facilitating an exit for local GP Anchor Equity Partners.
Vietnam renewables: Good vibrations
A palpable new enthusiasm has permeated Vietnam’s sluggish renewable energy sector as rising electricity demand prompts regulatory reform. Private equity is one of the key players