Sectors
Fosun buys $138 million stake in Thomas Cook
Chinese investor Fosun International has purchased a 5% stake in UK-based travel agent Thomas Cook Group for GBP91.8 million ($138 million).
Baird Capital backs China used car auction platform
Baird Capital has agreed to lead a Series A round of funding for Carsing, a Shanghai-based used car auction platform. FLAG Squadron Capital and Delta Capital are also contributing to the round.
Korean education social network raises $3.2m
Classting, a South Korean social networking site for students and teachers, has raised a KRW3.5 billion ($3.17 million) Series B round of funding led by Partner Investment, a tech-focused PE firm based in Seoul.
Ally Bridge participates in $57m round for US biotech firm
Healthcare-focused GP Ally Bridge has participated in a $57 million round of funding for EndoChoice, a US-based endoscopic imaging specialist, with a view to helping the company to expand in China.
CVC-backed HKBN IPO prices at top of range, raises $750m
Hong Kong Broadband Network (HKBN), an internet service provider controlled by CVC Capital Partners, has raised HK$5.8 billion ($750 million) in its Hong Kong IPO.
VC-backed Chinese home furnishing site Jia.com raises $160m
Jia.com, a Chinese home furnishing and decoration B2C online platform backed by several VC firms, has completed a Series D round of funding worth $160 million.
Taiwan's Bureau of Labor Funds issues real estate, infrastructure mandates
The Bureau of Labor Funds (BLF), Taiwan’s largest pension fund system, will allocate a total of $2.4 billion to 12 global alternatives managers - four in real estate and eight in infrastructure.
Chinese parenting site Lamabang raises $100m
China online retailer Vipshop has led a $100 million Series C round of funding for Lamabang, an online social networking platform that focuses on mothers.
Cool Japan invests $37m in TV channel Wakuwaku
The government-backed Cool Japan Fund will contribute JPY4.4 billion ($37 million) to a JPY 11 billion investment in entertainment channel Wakuwaku Japan alongside SKY Perfect JSAT Corp (SJC).
Japan's Recruit buys VC-backed restaurant booking site
Japanese employment and internet services company Recruit Holdings has acquired German VC-backed restaurant booking site Quandoo for EUR198.6 million (about $219 million).
Rocket Internet delivers Series A financing to Bridestory
Rocket Internet has participated in a Series A round of funding for Indonesian online wedding marketplace Bridestory. The size of the investment was not disclosed, but it is said to be between $1 million and $10 million.
Singapore's GIC boosts stake in Merlin Entertainments
GIC Private has nearly doubled its stake in London-based Merlin Entertainments, operator of Madame Tussaud’s and Legoland, to 5.2%.
Alibaba affiliate to invest $383m in China's Enlight Media
Hangzhou Ali Venture Capital, a VC subsidiary owned by Alibaba Group founders Jack Ma and Simon Xie, has acquired a RMB2.4billion ($383 million) stake in Chinese TV and movie producer Enlight Media.
JD, Beijing Water to launch $320m environment fund
China-focused private equity firm JD Capital has partnered with Beijing Water Business Doctor to launch a RMB2 billion ($320 million) environment fund.
Singapore launches first equity crowdfunding platform
Andy Lim, co-founder of Tembusu Partners and founder financial services group MoneyWorld, has launched Singapore's first equity crowdfunding platform.
PE-owned AWAS to sell aircraft to Macquarie
AWAS Aviation Capital, which is owned by Terra Firma Capital Partners and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), will sell an operating lease portfolio of 90 aircraft to Australia's Macquarie Group.
KIC, Kingdom Holdings to partner on PE investments
Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) and Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), an investment company controlled by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, have agreed to collaborate on private equity investment opportunities.
Sydney launches financial technology start-up hub
Sydney has launched a hub for financial technology start-ups, supported by initial funding of A$2 million ($1.6 million) from a string of Australian banks, property and technology firms in collaboration with the New South Wales government.
Taiwan's MediaTek launches $300m corporate VC fund
MediaTek, a leading Taiwanese fabless chipmaker, has launched a $300 million venture fund that will invest in global start-ups.
CIMB, Mitsubishi in $130m first close on SE Asia-focused fund
Malaysian financial services provider CIMB Group and Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation have announced a first close of $130 million on their ASEAN Industrial Growth Fund (AIGF).
Bain soaks in hot spring opportunity
Along with conveyer belt sushi and lively karaoke nights, the hot spring visit is a uniquely Japanese pastime popular with both locals and, increasingly, those who visit the country.
China gold rush: Venture in bloom
Flipping through the pages of a men's magazine in an airport lounge, I can't help but notice that double-breasted suits being hailed as one of the next big trends in menswear. Yes, the Gordon Gekko look, with some updates, is back. And like the fashion...
Big data: Number crunchers
Already an established investment trend, big data is becoming increasingly mainstream. From a VC perspective, the money will be made by going specialist and helping clients turn numbers into commercial action
JD-backed China Well Lead raises $61m in Shanghai IPO
Well Lead Medical, a Chinese medical devices manufacturer backed by JD Capital, has raised RMB385 million ($61 million) through an IPO in Shanghai.