Cleantech
Cleantech: Moving beyond subsidies
With its reputation for lackluster returns and dependence of government support, investors have shied away from cleantech, but GPs are bullish about its ability to stand on its own feet
Goldman invests in PE-backed Fresh Water Group
Goldman Sachs has led a new round of funding for Fresh Water Group, a Chinese purified water service provider already backed by SAIF Partners and Ares Management.
Chrysalix network targets global cleantech investments
A new cleantech venture investor alliance, the Chrysalix Global Network (CGN), has been formed to target investment opportunities throughout the world.
CRCI sells Grant Achieve Global stake to Olympus Capital
China Renaissance Capital Investment (CRCI) and the chairman of Chinese water treatment firm Grant Achieve Global (GAG) have sold a 40% holding in the company to Olympus Capital Holdings Asia and Anoi, a Hong Kong-incorporated enterprise.
NewQuest-led group seeks removal of China Hydro directors
An investor group led by NewQuest Capital Partners is calling for the removal of five directors of China Hydroelectric Corporation, citing strategic and operational issues at the company and the apparent lack of credibility and accountability on the board....
CLSA Capital Partners invests $15m in India's Earth Water
CLSA Capital Partners (CLSA CP) has invested $15 million for a 20% stake in New Delhi-based Earth Water Group (EWG), a water and wastewater management company.
IFC confirms $20m India energy fund commitment
International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private investment arm of the World Bank, has confirmed its $20 million investment in Nereus India Alternative Energy Fund, a vehicle focused on renewable power generation and clean technologies.
IFC considers loan for India wind power portfolio company
International Finance Corporation (IFC) may provide a $19 million loan to India’s NSL Group to support the development of a wind farm in the western state of Maharashtra. IFC already holds a 9.3% stake in the NSL subsidiary responsible for the project...
Baring, Aditya Birla circle Anu Solar Power stake - report
Baring Private Equity Partners and Aditya Birla Private Equity are reportedly vying for a 20% stake in Anu Solar Power, in a deal that could value the Indian renewable energy player at INR5 billion ($89.6 million).
UPDATE: PE group invests another $150m in Zhaoheng Hydropower
Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, Fountainvest Partners and Olympus Capital have together invested $150 million in Shenzhen-based Zhaoheng Hydropower, matching a commitment they made two years ago. The total consideration is said to be the largest...
India’s Kalyani Group to sell wind energy stake to PE – report
The Kalyani Group, the Indian industrial conglomerate, is reportedly in talks with private equity firms to sell a stake in its wind energy business, Kenersys. In addition to diluting Kalyani’s controlling interest, the deal would allow the partial exit...
Origo secures $60m for China cleantech fund, targets first close by year end
Origo Partners, a London-listed private equity investor focused exclusively on China, has received $60 million in commitments for a $200 million fund targeting cleantech companies.
Armstrong announces first close of cleantech fund on $65m
Singapore-based clean energy investor Armstrong Asset Management has announced a first close on $65 million for its maiden fund, which will focus on clean energy projects across Southeast Asia.
Equis invests $200m in Thai solar assets
Singapore-based infrastructure GP Equis Funds Group has reportedly channeled $200 million into acquiring 100% of a portfolio of solar energy assets in Thailand.
Mandarin Capital warned CDB ahead of Suntech fraud scandal
Sino-Italian PE player Mandarin Capital Partners advised China Development Bank (CDB) as early as three years ago that it shouldn't invest in Suntech Power Holdings' southern Italy initiative due to concerns about fraud. The Chinese solar company has...
INFUSE Ventures launches cleantech incubation program
Indian Fund for Sustainable Energy Ventures (INFUSE Ventures), an early-stage fund focused on sustainable energy and cleantech, has launched a program in the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad to foster start-ups that require seed capital.
Korea’s Woongjin, KTB Private Equity in $1b Coway deal
KTB Private Equity, an affiliate of South Korean financial services company KTB Investment & Securities, will team up with Woongjin Holdings to buy a 31% stake in water purifier manufacturer Coway for KRW1.2 trillion ($1 billion). The target company is...
KBank to launch Thailand's first infrastructure fund
Kasikornbank, the financial adviser to Solar Power, a subsidiary of Thailand's biggest solar-farm developer SPCG, is in the process of raising the country's first infrastructure fund. It is targeting THB5 billion ($158 million).
Plotting the future of China cleantech
Cleantech funds and investment strategies are often difficult to define in China. Some industry participants won’t touch IT, others love it. Some remain wedded to the idea of export-oriented manufacturing, while others loathe it.
Goldman, CDH-backed Himin Solar terminates IPO plan
Himin Solar, a Chinese solar water heater company backed by CDH Investments and Goldman Sachs, has suspended plans to list in Shanghai amid speculation about involvement in a corruption scandal that has already seen the removal of a leading politician...
GSR Ventures leads $84m round in Protean Electric
GSR Ventures has led an $84 million funding round in US-based Protean Electric, a developer of in-wheel electric drive systems. The capital will be used to set up manufacturing facilities in Liyang, Jiangsu province, bringing Protean's electric drive...
Australian state launches $200m cleantech program
The Australian government has launched a $200 million merit-based grants program designed to encourage businesses to find innovative ways of decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Southeast Asia’s renewables: Ignored no more?
Aggressive government targets have drawn private equity and venture capital firms into Southeast Asia’s renewable energy. But success and sustainability depend on more than just government subsidies.
India’s IvyCap Ventures in $19m first close for debut fund
Early-stage investor IvyCap Ventures has reached a first close of INR1.05 billion ($19 million) on its debut fund. The full target for IvyCap Ventures Trust Fund I is INR2 billion.