Japan
KKR to support European solar player's Japan expansion plans
KKR has acquired a majority stake in Gestamp Solar, a Spain-based developer and operator of solar plants that is looking to expand its business in Japan. The deal values the business at approximately $1 billion.
IMJ targets $53m for Japan venture fund
Singapore-based IMJ Investment Partners has raised JPY2 billion ($17.7 million) for a venture capital fund that will back start-ups in Japan. The full target is JPY6 billion.
J-Star targets buyout of JASDAQ-listed drugstore chain
J-Star has launched a tender offer for drugstore chain Aisei Pharmacy that values the JASDAQ-listed company at approximately JPY12.7 billion ($112.5 million). This is the private equity firm’s first-ever tender offer.
Japan's SBI to lead Series B for US bitcoin exchange Kraken
SBI Investment, the VC arm of Japan's SBI Holdings, has agreed to lead a Series B round for US-based bitcoin exchange Kraken.
Japan Post Bank prepares for PE investment
Japan Post Bank plans to start making commitments to private equity funds in the first half of this year, according to Katsunori Sago, the bank’s vice president in charge of asset management.
Rakuten launches $84m Japan venture fund
Rakuten Ventures, the corporate VC arm of Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten, has launched a JPY10 billion ($84 million) fund targeting start-ups in Japan.
Nissay commits $1.7m to Japan's Oneteam
Nissay Capital has invested $1.7 million in Series A funding in Japanese workplace chat app Oneteam.
JC Flowers to buy Chi-X's Asia trading platforms
J.C. Flowers has agreed to buy the Australia and Japan businesses of Chi-X Global Holdings, an alternative equity trading platform that competes with primary exchanges, as well as the company’s Hong Kong-based technology services unit.
PE-backed e-Shang boosts Asia footprint through merger
China-based warehousing operator e-Shang, which was founded by two local entrepreneurs in conjunction with Warburg Pincus, has agreed to merge with Asian counterpart Redwood Group as it builds scale towards a public market listing.
Japan's ChatWork raises $12.5 Series B round
Japan-based business chat platform ChatWork has raised $12.5 million in Series B funding from Jafco, SMBC Venture Capital and GMO Venture Partners.
Japan's J-Star buys nursing care business
J-Star has made another investment intended to leverage Japan’s aging population with the acquisition of Platia, a nursing services business that specializes in caring for people with dementia.
DBJ, Japan Wind Development to form $423m fund
The Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) and Japan Wind Development (JWD) – a local developer acquired last year by Bain Capital – have agreed to launch a JPY50 billion ($424 million) wind power fund.
Japan CRM start-up raises $16.9m Series C
Japanese customer relationship management (CRM) software developer Sansan has raised a S$24.2 million ($16.9 million) Series C round led by DCM.
Taiwan ITRI, Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ launch VC fund
Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group have jointly set up a second venture capital fund with a target of NT$2.5 billion ($75 million).
Japan's Skyland raises $10m VC fund
Tokyo-based early-stage investor Skyland Ventures has raised JYP1.2 billion ($10 million) for its second VC fund.
Fuji Startup Ventures backs Japan's The Bridge
Fuji Startup Ventures (FSV), the VC arm of Japan's Fuji TV network, has committed an undisclosed amount of funding to Tokyo-based start-up news site The Bridge, alongside public relations company PR Times.
Fenox commits Series D to Japan's Geniee
Fenox Venture Capital has committed an undisclosed amount of Series D funding to Japan-based adtech start-up Geniee.
Bain agrees to sell stake in Japan's Jupiter Shop
Bain Capital has agreed to sell its entire 50% stake in Japan's Jupiter Shop Channel to Jupiter Communication (J:COM), a company part-owned by Sumitomo Corporation. Bain bought its interest from Sumitomo at a valuation of JPY100 billion (then $1.3 billion)...
SMFG agrees to buy GE's Japan leasing unit for $4.8b
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) has agreed to buy GE Capital’s Japan leasing business for JPY575 billion ($4.8 billion) as parent company General Electric continues to pare its assets.
AVCJ Awards 2015: Exit of the Year - Mid Cap: Bushu Pharmaceuticals
Tokio Marine aimed to awaken the ambition of Japan’s Bushu Pharmaceuticals and show how a good GP can turn companies around. A 6x return was its reward
AVCJ Awards 2015: Deal of the Year - Mid Cap: SBI Life Living
Advantage Partners leveraged its expertise in corporate carve-outs to acquire SBI Life Living. It plans to split the business in two so that each half can achieve its full potential
AVCJ Awards 2015: Firm of the Year: Bain Capital
Bain Capital enjoyed its most active year in Asia as positive experiences from previous deals and proactive engagement with entrepreneurs helped deliver a string of new investments
Deal focus: J-Star sees low-voltage potential
Japan-based energy savings solutions provider ESCO is expected to benefit from increased consumer awareness of efficiency issues and a shake-up in the broader utilities space
Japan's J-Star buys energy savings business
Japanese GP J-Star has acquired ESCO, an energy savings solution provider that primarily works with condominium managers, for an undisclosed sum.