QIC
LP interview: Australia’s QIC
As QIC’s PE programme tilts toward earlier stages, legacy assets have counterbalanced macro turbulence in tech. More direct investment is desired, but funds are still of interest, especially in Europe
ESG backlash: Turbulent tailwinds
The strong momentum behind sustainable and responsible investment policies globally has begun to ruffle feathers in the US. Asian private equity should recognise this as a relevant warning
Australia's QIC acquires 50% stake in smart meter business
Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), an Australian sovereign wealth fund, has agreed to acquire a 50% stake in New Zealand-listed Vector Metering at an enterprise valuation of NZD 2.5bn (USD 1.6bn).
Vistara, QIC back Australian sports-tech player Vald
US-based growth-stage technology investor Vistara Growth has joined Queensland Investment Corporation in an AUD 36m (USD 25m) round for Vald, an Australian start-up that supplies performance-tracking technology to a host of professional sports teams.
Taking PE in-house: Less limited partners
Institutional investors continue to pursue more active roles in private equity, even as a souring macro backdrop makes the game harder to play. Talent is always the key variable
GP selection: Discriminating customers
Sizeable LPs are hardening their criteria for fund commitments in reaction to a tougher investing environment. But going with fewer, deeper relationships is an uphill climb
Australia tech: Valuation conundrum
Valuation adjustments and down rounds are expected to proliferate in Australia’s technology sector in the next 12 months. Investors are busy scrutinising business models for signs of vulnerability
Infrastructure: Out of the comfort zone
Infrastructure managers in Australia are pushing into the PE space, competing with GPs for assets and buying businesses from them. It falls under the core-plus umbrella, but is the definition being stretched too far?
PEP sells Australia, New Zealand healthcare businesses
Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) has agreed two healthcare exits, with Australia-based medical devices distributor LifeHealthcare to be sold to Ebos Group and New Zealand corporate hospital platform Evolution Healthcare going to QIC and Sunsuper.
India edtech start-up CollegeDekho raises $35m
Indian education technology start-up CollegeDekho has closed a Series B round of $35 million with support from a mix of global investors including Australia’s QIC and Abu Dhabi’s ADQ.
Deal focus: Icon retains its private equity appeal
EQT’s $1.67 billion acquisition of Icon Group underscores the recent trend in large-cap buyouts, as well as the long-term growth potential for cancer care specialists in Australia and the wider Asian region
EQT buys Australia cancer care business from PE consortium
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, QIC, and Pagoda Investment – a China-focused GP set up by a former QIC executive – have agreed to sell Australia cancer care provider Icon Group to EQT for a reported valuation of A$2.3 billion ($1.67 billion).
Profile: Cook Islands Super's David Brown
In 2015, David Brown swapped a career as an LP in Australia for a similar vocation in the Pacific Islands. Despite leaving his comfort zone – and getting charged and then cleared of fraud – he’s keen for more
QIC explores Virgin Australia bid
Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) has been asked by the state government, its ultimate owner, to explore a bail-out for beleaguered airline Virgin Australia Holdings (VAH).
Marcus Simpson leaves Australia's QIC to pursue advisory work
Marcus Simpson (pictured) plans to take on independent advisory roles – working with institutional investors that want to build or rebuild private equity programs and with companies looking at taking on private capital – having stepped down as head...
QIC to acquire Australian marine logistics player
Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) has agreed to acquire 100% of Australian marine logistics provider Sea Swift, facilitating exits for CHAMP Ventures and HarbourVest Partners.
Sovereign investors and technology: Smart nations
Conservative sovereign wealth investors are increasingly comfortable making direct commitments to venture-oriented technology companies. The strategy appears to suit them but remains to be validated
Women in PE: Mind the gap
Gender diversity within private equity is an increasing priority for LPs and GPs alike. Addressing problems around the recruitment and retention of women requires fundamental changes in culture and mindset
Australian LPs struggle to recruit PE talent - AVCJ Forum
Recruitment is the biggest challenge for Australian institutional investors as they look to deepen their participation in private equity, senior executives told the AVCJ Australia & New Zealand Forum.
Australia co-investment: Too close for comfort?
Most Australian institutional investors want to participate in deals alongside private equity managers, but few have the bandwidth to do it effectively. Recruitment and risk controls are the key obstacles
Portfolio: QIC and North Australian Pastoral
Addressing Chinese demand was central to QIC’s acquisition of cattle breeder North Australian Pastoral, but the company has repositioned itself in response to changing patterns of consumption in global beef markets
Australia’s QIC receives $427m super fund mandate
The global private capital division of Australia’s QIC has received a A$550 million ($427 million) private equity mandate from domestic superannuation fund Rest.
LPs sharpen focus on active investment in Asia – AVCJ Forum
LPs must engage GPs more carefully as they become increasingly active players in Asia’s rapidly evolving private equity space, industry participants told the AVCJ Forum.