manufacturing
J-Star acquires Japan aquaculture business
Japanese lower middle market private equity firm J-Star has acquired local aquaculture industry supplier Dainichi for an undisclosed sum.
PE-owned Japan flash memory player postpones IPO
Kioxia Holdings, the Japanese flash memory business that a Bain Capital-led consortium acquired from Toshiba two years ago for an enterprise valuation of JPY2 trillion ($18.7 billion) has pulled the plug on its Tokyo IPO.
Lever invests five China alternative meat start-ups
Hong Kong and US-based food tech investor Lever VC has confirmed five investments in alternative protein start-ups from its recently launched China fund.
Blackstone makes $253m part-exit from India's Essel Propack
The Blackstone Group has made a partial exit from Indian packaging manufacturer Essel Propack (EPL) – which provides the tubes to 40% of the world’s toothpaste – generating proceeds of INR18.6 billion ($253.4 million).
Deal focus: Creador scores as India pharma heats up
Creador's $34 million investment in packaging supplier Shriji Polymers represents an indirect bet on India's growing pharmaceutical industry. Product development and capacity expansion are priorities
Creador invests $34m in India's Shriji Polymers
Creador has invested INR2.5 billion ($34 million) in Shriji Polymers India, a manufacturer of plastic pharmaceuticals packaging, taking a significant minority stake and providing an exit for Tata Capital.
Carlyle exits Korean garment manufacturer
The Carlyle Group has agreed to sell its majority stake in Korean apparel manufacturer Yakjin Trading Corporation to domestic fashion giant JS Corporation for around KRW14.3 billion ($12 million).
GL Ventures leads $130m round for China’s Biren
Biren Technology, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) chip design company, has raised a RMB900 million ($130 million) pre-Series B round led by GL Ventures, the VC unit of Hillhouse Capital.
Quadrant acquires Australia phone mount business
Australia’s Quadrant Private Equity has acquired a controlling stake in Quad Lock, a local smart phone accessories maker focused on device mounts for bikes and cars.
Asia-IO, Wise Road invest in HK semiconductor supplier
Private equity firms Asia-IO Capital and Wise Road Capital have acquired a 55.6% stake in a semiconductor packaging materials business from Hong Kong-listed ASM Pacific Technology.
Eurazeo commits $94m in debut Europe-China fund deal
French GP Eurazeo has made its debut investment from a newly launched Europe-China cross-border fund, committing EUR80 million ($94 million) to Dutch medical supplier DORC.
China launches $1.4b semiconductor fund
Suzhou High-tech Zone has launched a RMB10 billion ($1.4 billion) integrated circuit (IC) fund with support from local government guidance funds, corporates, and financial institutions.
Korean strategic, financial investors back industrial AI start-up
MakinaRocks, a Korean artificial intelligence (AI) start-up that helps manufacturers achieve production efficiencies through the application of deep learning technology, has raised KRW12 billion ($10 million) in Series A funding.
China's CF PharmTech raises $50m Series F
CF PharmTech, a Chinese medical devices maker focused on innovative respiratory products, has raised a $50 million Series F round with support from CICC Capital.
Medical devices: Proceed with caution
Medical devices has become a difficult place to invest but potentially all the more rewarding for those willing to take the plunge. Asia is in a prime position globally
Lever launches China alternative protein fund
Hong Kong and US-based food technology investor Lever VC has launched a RMB200 million ($28 million) fund dedicated to Chinese plant-based meat start-ups.
Japan Industrial Partners to buy Olympus' imaging division
Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) has agreed to acquire Olympus Corporation’s camera and lens business, which has posted losses in each of the last three years.
Toshiba seeks exit from PE-controlled flash memory business
Toshiba is exploring ways to fully exit its 40.2% stake in Kioxia Holdings, two years after selling control of the Japanese flash memory division to a Bain Capital-led consortium for an enterprise valuation of JPY2 trillion ($18.7 billion).
A91 invests $16m in India spices maker
India’s A91 Partners has invested INR1.2 billion ($16.4 million) in local spices and condiments brand Pushp.
China chip design company Eswin raises $283m
Beijing-based chip design company Eswin Technology Group has raised a RMB2 billion ($283 million) Series B round led by IDG Capital and Legend Capital.
KKR, Japanese banks pump $1.2b into Marelli
Marelli, a leading global automotive components supplier formed when KKR combined Japan’s Calsonic Kansei Corporation with Europe-based Magneti Marelli, has secured JPY130 billion ($1.2 billion) in additional funding to ride out a market downturn.
China smart logistics provider Galaxis raises $14m
Chinese logistics robot and intelligent equipment supplier Galaxis Technology has raised RMB100 million ($14 million) in Series D funding led by China Capital Investment Group.
Shaw Kwei invests in Hong Kong cosmetics industry supplier
Shaw Kwei & Partners has announced an investment in International Cosmetics Suppliers (ICS), a Hong Kong-based packaging specialist for the global beauty industry.
Intel Capital backs three Chinese start-ups
Intel Capital has invested in two Chinese semiconductor suppliers and a Chinese medical technology developer as part of a $132 million commitment spread across 11 start-ups.