LPs
Australia's QIC looks to develop its direct China exposure
QIC, an Australian investment manager QIC with more than A$69 billion ($73 billion) under management for a combination of domestic and international clients, is stepping up its efforts to develop bilateral investment opportunities in China. The group...
University of Michigan commits to Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia IV
The University of Michigan has committed $25 million to Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia’s (MSPEA) fourth pan-regional fund. The vehicle, which reached a first close of $750 million towards the end of last year after less than six months in the market,...
NSSF assets tipped to reach $806b by 2020
China's National Council for Social Security Fund (NSSF) will see its assets swell to as much as RMB5 trillion ($806 billion) by 2020, driven by contributions from state-owned enterprises (SOEs), according to the fund's former chairman.
Temasek sets up dedicated LNG investment unit
Temasek Holdings has set up an investment unit dedicated to liquefied natural gas (LNG) assets. The move comes as the Singaporean sovereign wealth fund seeks to increase its energy exposure – as also evidenced through recent PE investments – in recognition...
OTPP private capital unit realizes $5b, reinvests $3b in 2012
Teachers’ Private Capital (TPC), the private equity fund and direct investment arm of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), saw $5 billion in gross realizations and $3 billion in reinvestments in 2012, with 13 new direct deals and 12 commitments to new...
New Mexico State Investment Council commits to Affinity Fund IV
New Mexico State Investment Council (NMSIC) has agreed to invest up to $75 million in Affinity Equity Partners’ fourth pan-Asia fund. The vehicle reached a first close of $1.5 billion in early March and has a hard cap of $3.5 billion.
IFC may anchor Thailand-focused Lakeshore fund
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is considering a commitment of up to $20 million to Lakeshore Capital Fund I, a Thailand-focused GP that is seeking to raise $100 million.
LGT opens Beijing office as part of differentiation drive
LGT Capital Partners has chosen Beijing as the location for its fourth investment office globally as the firm looks to differentiate its exposure to Asia’s largest private equity market in an increasingly competitive fund-of-funds space.
Malaysia's EPF eyes more PE opportunities
Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) plans to increase its private equity commitments in 2013, with a particular interest in regional co-investment opportunities.
Pay to play: Australia's fee debate
The debate over private equity fees in Australia is a hotly contested domestic issue, but its long-term implications say much about how the asset class might evolve at a global level
Morgan Creek to deploy over half of Fund II in China – report
Morgan Creek Capital reportedly plans to deploy at least 60% of its next Asian fund-of-funds in China. The vehicle, the firm’s second dedicated to the region, has a target of $300 million.
Neuberger Berman has final close on $1.1b global co-invest fund
Neuberger Berman Group has reached a final close of $1.1 billion on its second global co-investment fund, NB Strategic Co-Investment Partners Fund II (NBCIP II). The original target was $750 million.
Asia has more than one third of global sovereign assets – study
Asia accounts for 39% of the $5.2 trillion in sovereign wealth fund (SWF) assets globally, with China alone holding $1.49 trillion, according to a new study.
Tougher this time
A number of PE executives - old enough to have seen several cycles – have commented on how difficult the fundraising environment is at present. “I thought my last fundraising [in 2004] was very difficult. Now that I am raising my current fund, the past...
Texas County & District, Oregon commit to CDH Fund V
CDH has secured commitments for its fifth fund from both Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS) and Oregon Investment Council. The US pension funds have agreed to invest $50 million and $75 million, respectively, in the vehicle, which launched...
New York State Common backs RRJ Capital
New York State Common Retirement Fund (NYSCRF) has committed $300 million to RRJ Capital, the Hong Kong-based GP set up by Richard Ong, formerly of Goldman Sachs and Hopu Investment Management.
Australia webinar: Consistency matters
Australia's private equity industry has seen robust deal flow in recent years and LPs remain committed to the asset class, albeit to a fewer number of GPs. Industry participants expect this to continue
Washington State to invest $300m in Affinity Fund IV
Affinity Equity Partners has secured a $300 million commitment for its fourth pan-Asia fund from Washington State Investment Board. It is three times the size of the US pension system’s investment in the GP’s previous vehicle.
AVCJ launches iOS app
Those readers who were around 10 years ago are likely to have stark memories of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, the disease that struck fear into Asia's communities and temporarily laid waste to economies. Needless to say, private equity and...
Global access: Australian LPs and international PE
Australia's superannuation industry is still embroiled in a costs debate as funds decide whether a private equity strategy makes economic sense. Those sticking with the asset class are looking to go offshore
NZ Super appoints unlisted mandates manager
New Zealand Superannuation Fund has appointed Chris Jagger as manager with responsibility for unlisted mandates. He was most recently an investment director with Lloyds Development Capital in London and has previously worked at Future Fund, GI Partners,...
Virginia pension fund backs Fortress' Japan distress vehicle
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) has committed to $50 million to Fortress Investment Group’s Japan Opportunity Fund II, a distress-focused vehicle that closed last December at its hard cap of JPY130 billion ($1.65 billion).
Canada's OMERS targets Australia
Ontario Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (OMERS), one of Canada’s big three pension funds, plans to increase its exposure to Australia through investments in infrastructure and natural resources.
New York State Teachers shuffles PE, real estate heads
New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS) has appointed John Virtanen as managing director for private equity. He moves over from the system’s property portfolio, which will now be overseen by David Gillan.