Australia
Australia's Vantage achieves first close on fund-of-funds
Vantage Asset Management has reached a first close of A$20 million ($15.2 million) on its third Australia-focused fund-of-funds. The vehicle, which launched in February 2016, has an overall target of A$100 million.
Riverside promotes Steven Spiteri to partner in Australia
The Riverside Company has appointed a second partner in six months in Australia, with the promotion of Steven Spiteri, who has been with the firm since 2010.
Italian PE unit backs Morrow Sodali's purchase of Australia's GPS
GPS, an Australia-based shareholder services and corporate governance consultancy, has been acquired by global counterpart Morrow Sodali in a deal supported by Italian government-controlled PE investment unit Simest.
Deal focus: TPG makes surprise trade sale
Secrecy was paramount as TPG Capital abandoned plans to list Australia's Alinta Energy in favor of negotiating a $3.1 billion trade sale to Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Australia's Square Peg raises $180m for debut VC fund
Square Peg Capital, an Australian venture capital firm set up by Paul Bassat, co-founder of job listings site Seek, has closed its debut fund at A$234 million ($180 million), exceeding the A$200 million target.
500 Startups opens Australia office
US-based early-stage investor 500 Startups has agreed to establish its Australian headquarters in Melbourne after receiving financial support from the state government of Victoria.
Australian seed investor launches $50m global fund
Australia-based VC investor Followtheseed has launched a $50 million fund to invest in global early-stage start-ups.
Australia's SproutX closes $8m agritech fund
SproutX, an Australian accelerator focused on agricultural technology, has raised A$10 million ($7.7 million) for a venture capital fund. Artesian Venture Partners will act as investment manager.
Chow Tai Fook to buy Australia's Alinta from TPG
Hong Kong's Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) has agreed to buy Australian power utility Alinta Energy, providing an exit for TPG Capital.
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.
Platinum to buy Staples' Australia, New Zealand business
US-based private equity firm Platinum Equity has agreed to buy the Australia and New Zealand businesses of business products supplier Staples.
Denham platform to assume control of Australia-listed miner
Denham Capital has agreed to take full ownership of Cradle Resources, an Australia-listed mining company that holds a 50% interest in a niobium deposit in Tanzania, at a valuation of A$55 million ($41.6 million).
Australia to streamline foreign investment approvals
The Australian government has proposed an amendment to foreign investment rules introduced in late 2015 that require some private equity firms to obtain regulatory approval when making a buyout.
Australia's Uniseed secures $15m for VC fund
Uniseed, a venture fund manager associated with the Australian government’s CSIRO research unit and a number of domestic universities, has secured A$20 million ($15.2 million) in fresh commitments for a new follow-on fund.
Industry players warn of conflicts in evolving GP-LP relationship - AVCJ Forum
Institutional investors globally are looking to reduce the number of GPs in their portfolios with a view to writing bigger checks for – and having deeper relationships with – a smaller number of managers, but this lack of diversification in the LP base...
Family offices want flexible solutions from PE - AVCJ Forum
Australian family offices and high net worth individuals (HNWIs) represent a huge potential source of capital for private equity, but GPs must be flexible in terms of the products they offer.
New GPs will not shake Australia PE market dynamic - AVCJ Forum
The Australian private equity market has seen the emergence of a number of new GPs – including several spin-outs – but incumbent managers told the AVCJ Australia & New Zealand Forum that they do not expect much change in the competitive landscape.
Fund focus: Into the white space
The arrival of Odyssey Private Equity – a collaborative effort by former executives from two of Australia’s best known GPs – once again draws attention to the hole in Australia’s lower middle market
IFM invests Australian fashion retailer
IFM Investors’ private equity arm has acquired a significant minority stake in Colette By Colette Hayman, an Australian retailer of handbags and fashion accessories.
Australia's Hostplus commits $65m to seed investor Artesian
Australian superannuation fund Hostplus has committed A$85 million ($65 million) to local seed investor Artesian, taking the venture capital firm’s funds under management to more than A$150 million.
US online lender SoFi raises $500m to expand in Australia
US online lender and financial services company SoFi has secured a $500 million Series F funding round led by Silver Lake for an expansion effort into Australia.
Bain makes partial exit from Australia's MYOB
Bain Capital Private Equity has made a partial exit from Australian accounting software developer MYOB, reducing its holding from 56.25% to approximately 39.1%.
Soft middle: Australia's underserved lower middle market
Fewer GPs are targeting Australia's lower middle market as a result of increasing fund sizes and the difficulties local LPs have writing small-ticket checks. The arrival of new PE firms is encouraging, but they aren't necessarily positioned to fill this...
Cost conundrum: Super funds, fees and private equity
Australian regulators want greater consistency in how superannuation funds report costs and fees to members. While sound in principle, the draft measure is problematic in practice, especially for private equity