Japan
Japan's Advantage raises renewables-focused SPAC
Advantage Partners has raised $150 million for a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that will target de-carbonization and renewable energy-related assets with a focus on Asia ex-China and Europe.
2022 preview: Japan VC
Japanese VC is growing up fast and looking a little less homogenous in the process. A longstanding growth-stage gap is about to disappear as new actors file in
Japan's Global Brain launches two VC funds, expands global remit
Japan’s Global Brain has launched its eighth flagship VC fund, seeking JPY40 billion ($352 million) for a more international-facing mandate. It has also launched a follow-on fund targeting JPY10 billion.
Endeavor United to buy chemicals unit from Japan's Bridgestone
Endeavour United, a Japanese private equity firm established by the team behind turnaround investor Phoenix Capital, has agreed to buy Bridgestone Corporation’s chemical products solutions business for an undisclosed sum.
Vision Fund backs Japan sneaker marketplace
SoftBank Vision Fund 2 has made a Series D investment of undisclosed size in Japan’s Soda, operator of sneaker reselling platform Snkr Dunk, at a valuation of JPY38 billion ($336 million).
Japan space debris start-up Astroscale gets $109m Series F
Astroscale, a Japanese space tech start-up dedicated to cleaning up orbital debris, has raised $109 million in Series F funding from investors including London-listed Seraphim Space Investment Trust, Japan Growth Capital Investment, and Axa Life Insurance.
Bain leads $69m Series C for Japan's Linc'well
Bain Capital has led a JPY8 billion ($69 million) Series C round for Linc’well, a Japan-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider that caters to medical institutions.
MBK sells Japan's Accordia Golf to Fortress
MBK Partners has agreed to sell Japan-based golf course operator Accordia Golf, which it acquired in 2017 via a tender offer, to Fortress Investment Group.
Japan's Olympus launches VC unit, $50m fund
Japan’s Olympus Corporation has launched a medical technology-focused venture capital unit, Olympus Innovation Ventures, with an initial commitment of $50 million for its debut fund.
North Asia IPOs: Welcome eruptions
A steady rhythm of small and mid-sized IPOs in North Asia is now being punctuated by globally noticeable events. Valuations are up, but Korean and Japanese investors are game
Activists, growth equity among Japan deal drivers - AVCJ Forum
Private equity deal flow in Japan is likely to increase in the coming years, spurred by factors ranging from activist investors to the rise of growth equity, industry participants told the AVCJ Japan Forum.
PAG buys Japan restaurant business
PAG has bought Gyro Holdings, a Japan-based restaurant operator that operates more than 90 brands, most of them based on izakaya concepts. The size of the deal was not disclosed.
Mizuho spinout targets $263m for Japan buyout fund
MCP Capital (MCPC), a Japanese lower mid-market buyout firm that spun out from Mizuho Bank earlier this year, is looking to raise up to JPY30 billion ($263.2 million) for its sixth fund.
Capital, talent flock to Japanese start-ups - AVCJ Forum
Japan’s early-stage investment environment has improved dramatically over the past several years with the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs, industry participants told the AVCJ Japan Forum.
Blackstone names ex-Morgan Stanley banker as Japan chair
The Blackstone Group has appointed Ryusuke Shigetomi, formerly vice chairman for global investment banking at Morgan Stanley, as representative director and chairman of its Japan operations.
Japan's Keystone targets $440m for Fund V
Tokyo-based Keystone Partners is looking to raise around JPY50 billion ($440 million) for its fifth Japan-focused fund, which will make a combination of growth and turnaround investments.
Japan's WM, AIC launch secondary fund targeting LP stakes
WM Partners and Alternative Investment Capital (AIC) are looking to raise a JPY10 billion ($88 million) secondary fund that will primarily target LP positions in Japan-focused private equity funds.
CLSA completes exit from Japan cram school
CLSA Capital Partners (CLSA CP) has sold its remaining shares in Japanese cram school operator BC Ings to Eishinkan, a major player in the segment.
Japan fundraising: Regional banks revisited
Japan’s regional banks have risen from a low base to become a meaningful LP constituency for local middle-market managers. Their staying power might be a function of broader industry consolidation
Japan digitization: Easy targets, hard to hit
Japan’s massive mid-sized business sector is still trading in its fax machines for the cloud, sometimes willingly, sometimes begrudgingly. PE’s help is most needed in terms of mindset
Hitachi sells radiation devices business to Nippon Mirae Capital
Hitachi has agreed to sell its Japan-based radiation measurement devices and industrial x-ray CT devices businesses to local private equity firm Nippon Mirae Capital.