Japan
Indonesian fashion site Berrybenka raises $5m Series B
Japan's Transcomos has led a $5 million Series B round of funding for Berrybenka, picking a more than 30% interest in the Indonesian fashion e-commerce start-up. Existing backer GREE Venture also participated.
Japanese pension funds must diversify - panel
Japan's public pension funds - which collectively manage more than JPY200 trillion ($2 trillion) in assets - should diversify into alternative assets, including private equity, and have greater independence to do so, according to an expert panel.
SMBC Venture, Adways invest in Japan e-commerce site
SMBC Venture Capital and strategic investor Adways have together backed Flask Park, a Japanese gift e-commerce company. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Riverside acquires Japan bicycle retailer
The Riverside Company has acquired Y. International, a Japanese bicycle retail chain. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Lone Star approved to buy Osaka train, warehouse operator - report
US-based distress-focused GP Lone Star has reportedly won the rights to acquire Japan train operator Osaka Prefectural Urban Development (OPUD) for JPY78 billion ($783 million)
North Asia GPs cautiously optimistic on economic reforms – AVCJ Forum
Government-driven reforms in Japan and South Korea have the potential to deliver more buyout opportunities, although industry participants told the AVCJ Forum in Hong Kong that their optimism is cautious rather than wholehearted.
Carlyle set for another partial exit from Japan's Chimney
The Carlyle Group is set to reap up to JPY14.3 billion ($145 million) through another partial exit from Japanese casual restaurant chain Chimney Corp, after agreeing to subscribe to a tender offer by liquor retailer Yamaya Corp. to acquire a 48.66% stake.
Blackpeak adds to Japan team
Blackpeak Group, an Asia-focused strategic advisor to corporate and investment clients, has appointed Kohtaro Miyagi as a senior consultant, based in Tokyo.
Japan's Polaris exits Nippon Oil Pump to Wendel
Japanese buyout firm Polaris Capital Group has agreed to exit its entire share in Nippon Oil Pump Group (NOP) - a maker of hydraulic pumps and motors - to French listed investment group Wendel.
Five trends worth watching
When we look back at 2013 it will probably be described as a slow year for Asian private equity. Statistics on all major PE activities in the region have fallen substantially.
Globis, Intel-backed V-Cube files for Tokyo IPO
V-Cube,a Japanese developer of web-conferencing and webinar systems backed by Intel Capital and Globis Capital Partners, has filed for its Tokyo IPO.
SMBC, NEC-backed VC fund backs US semiconductor firm
Innovative Venture Fund, an early stage investment fund set up by Japan's NEC Capital and SMBC Venture Capital, has a led a round of investment in SiTime Corp, a US-based semiconductor company. Additional participants in the round included Hercules Technology...
Globis backs online stock photo site Pixta
Globis Capital Partners has invested JPY70 million ($700,000) in Pixta, the Japanese company behind stock photo and online storage service site Pixtastock.com.
Taiwan's Chinatrust to buy Tokyo Star Bank for $530m
CTBC Financial, the parent company of Taiwan's Chinatrust Commercial Bank, is to buy a 98.16% stake in Tokyo Star Bank for JPY52 billion ($530 million) from US private equity firm Lone Star and other creditors-turned-shareholders. It will be the first...
Ant Capital acquires Japanese shoe maker MoonStar
Ant Capital has acquired a majority stake in 140-year-old Japanese shoe maker MoonStar from the founding family and other shareholders. Financial details were not disclosed.
J-Star makes sweet exit from Tokachi
Gifts are a big part of Japanese tradition. Whether you are making an introduction, expressing thanks or simply marking a change in the seasons, an exchange of gifts is usually required. A large section of the country’s consumer sector relies on providing...
Asia real assets: Need returns, will travel
Interest in Asian real assets has surged as investors look to higher growth emerging markets for income and upside. Opportunities run from real estate to infrastructure, and in some cases offer a bit of both
Ant Capital exits cream puff maker Beard Papa
Ant Capital is exiting its 100% stake in Muginoho Holdings, the company behind Japanese cream puff brand Beard Papa, to instant food giant Nagatanien for JPY9.44 billion ($96 million).
Polaris-backed apparel supplier files for bankruptcy
Fusen-Usagi Corporation,a children's apparel supplier backed by Polaris Capital Group, has filed for bankruptcy at Osaka Regional Court with JPY3 billion ($30 million) in debt.
Jafco-backed Ride On Express files for Japan IPO
Ride On Express, a Japanese food delivery franchise operator backed by Jafco Ventures, has filed for a Tokyo IPO.
INCJ invests $8m in Japanese mobile payment start-up
Government-backed Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) has invested JPY800 million ($8 million) in mobile payments processor Coiney.
J-Star completes $6.6m exit of sweets maker Tokachi
J-Star has completed its exit of a 100% stake Japanese sweet maker Tokachi to Tokyo-listed Mediaflag in deal valued at JPY644 million ($6.6 million). According to sources familiar with the matter, the GP has generated a 1.3x return on its investment.
Macquarie to form infra JV with Japan's Maeda
Macquarie Capital will form a joint venture with Japanese engineering firm Maeda Corp. to invest in infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Lead Capital invests $2m in Japan's Talknote
Lead Capital Management has invested JPY200 million ($2 million) in Talknote, the Japanese start-up behind the corporate social networking platform of the same name. This is the second round of funding the company has received, following an undisclosed...