SPAC
Media SPAC legitimizes MENA for Asia investors
The imminent US listing of a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) media app via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) is helping legitimize the region for Asian private equity.
Southeast Asia's Grab to merge with SPAC at $30.4b valuation
Southeast Asia-focused ride hailing and local services platform Grab has agreed to go public in the US through a merger with a special purpose acquisition vehicle (SPAC) at an enterprise valuation of $30.4 billion.
Hony launches China healthcare, consumer SPAC
Hony Capital has joined a string of Chinese private equity managers with special purpose acquisition vehicles (SPACs), targeting $300 million for healthcare and consumer deals.
SPACs in Asia: Out of the comfort zone
Several Asian stock exchanges will consider allowing SPAC offerings, but implementation may run contrary to their regulatory ethos – and there is no guarantee of a strong market response
L Catterton Asia raises SPAC for consumer deals
L Catterton Asia has raised $250 million for a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that will focus on high-growth consumer technology assets within the region.
Founder of China's Zhencheng Capital launches SPAC
Jianwei Li, founding and managing partner of Chinese venture capital firm Zhencheng Capital and previously CIO at ZhenFund, has launched a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).
Rocket Lab to go public via SPAC merger
Rocket Lab, a US-based space technology company that operates primarily in New Zealand, as agreed to merge with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) at an enterprise valuation of $4.1 billion.
GPs & SPACs: Filthy lucre?
The global SPAC craze is percolating into Asia, with private equity firms among the sponsors. LPs aren’t necessarily comfortable with the development, but there’s only so much they can do about it
B Capital launches SPAC
B Capital Group, a US-based venture capital firm with a presence in Singapore and a significant Asia portfolio, is looking to raise $300 million for a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).
New Frontier to privatize US-listed China hospital business
The New Frontier Group-led consortium that acquired Chinese hospital operator United Family Healthcare (UFH) through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in 2019 is now looking to take the US-listed business private at a valuation of around $1.6...
Ravi Thakran's SPAC plans merger with aviation business
A special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) launched by Ravi Thakran, formerly head of L Catterton’s Asia operation, plans to merge with Wheels Up – a US-based aviation business described as Uber for private jets – at a valuation of $2.1 billion.
Sideline SPACs: Competing priorities?
Ties between private equity firms and special purpose acquisition companies are not uniform – some are direct relationships, while others involve certain individuals. But proliferation is likely to attract more LP scrutiny
Hopu founder backs China healthcare-focused SPAC
Fenglei Fang, founder and chairman of Chinese private equity firm Hopu Investments, is looking to raise $300 million for a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that will target healthcare companies with a China focus or expansion prospects in the...
Olympus-sponsored SPAC raises $130m
Olympus Capital has raised $130 million for a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), which it is sponsoring via its fifth pan-Asian fund.
Ascendent founder sponsors SPAC targeting global deals
A special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsored by Liang Meng, founding managing partner of China’s Ascendent Capital Partners, has raised $300 million for global consumer technology investments.
Singapore bourse to consider SPAC listings
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) will consider allowing listings by special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) on the back of a spike in fundraising activity for these structures in the US.
China's Primavera launches consumer-focused SPAC
Primavera Capital Group has joined the trickle of Asia-based private equity investors launching special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) in the US, targeting a $300 million capital raise for consumer deals.
Thiel, Pacific Century launch second Southeast Asia SPAC
Peter Thiel (pictured), co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies and Founders Fund, and Richard Li, son of Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, are launching another special purpose acquisition vehicle (SPAC) that will target new economy assets in Southeast...
Alternative fund structures: Alternate universe
Irregular fund structures, including single-asset platforms, are often the most appropriate inroad for investors in developing Asia. But it has taken a pandemic to bring them to the fore
PineBridge, Peter Thiel launch Southeast Asia-focused SPAC
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies and Founders Fund, has teamed up with PineBridge Investments and Pacific Century Group on a special purpose acquisition vehicle (SPAC) that will target new economy assets in Southeast Asia.