Thailand
China's Sailing exits as US GP backs Maldives resort chain
Chinese cross-border private equity firm Sailing Capital has exited its position in Soneva, a Thailand-based luxury hotel operator known for its Maldives resorts, following the sale of a significant minority stake to US-based KSL Capital Partners.
Cento leads $52m round for SE Asia payments player
Cento Ventures has led a $52 million round for 2C2P, a Singapore and Bangkok-based payments platform that claims to serve some 620 million customers across Southeast Asia.
Lakeshore secures 2.75x return on Bangkok steakhouse deal
Thailand-based Lakeshore Capital has exited Bangkok area steakhouse chain Santa Fe to Singha Corporation for $50 million, generating a 2.75x return.
Navis acquires Thailand's Srithai Food Group
Navis Capital Partners has paid an undisclosed sum for a controlling stake in Srithai Food Group, a Thailand-based restaurant supplier focused on the seasoning and condiments segment.
Vertex closes Southeast Asia, India fund at $305m
Vertex Ventures, a VC arm of Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, has closed its fourth Southeast Asia and India fund at $305 million, beating an initial target of $230 million.
Thailand's Pomelo gets $52m Series C
Thailand-based fashion retailer Pomelo has raised a $52 million Series C round from a group including Hong Kong’s Provident Growth. It is being called the first-ever Series C for a Thai start-up.
Deal focus: Big plans for Thailand's smallest bank
Olympus Capital takes a 25% stake in microfinance and micro-SME lending specialist Thai Credit Retail Bank, facilitating an exit for Northstar Group and laying plans for a merchant-friendly digitization
Deal focus: Olympus backs big plans for Thailand's smallest bank
Olympus Capital has paid $91 million for a 25% stake in microfinance and micro-SME lending specialist Thai Credit Retail Bank. It wants to double the loan book and support digitization of services
Vietnam inbound investment: Regional rivals
Strategic interest in Vietnam is growing, especially among companies within Asia looking to tap growth no longer available at home. PE investors see them as partners – and sometimes as competitors
Thailand's Beacon leads $6.5m round for local fintech player
Beacon Venture Capital, the VC unit of Thailand’s Kasikornbank, has led a $6.5 million investment in Jitta, a local financial technology provider and stock analysis platform operator.
Thailand's Central Group invests $200m in Grab
Thai retail conglomerate Central Group has agreed to invest $200 million in ride-hailing and online-to-offline (O2O) services platform Grab, adding to the list of strategic players that have backed the Southeast Asia company in the past year.
China B2B plastics trading platform gets Series C funding
Kuaisuwang, a Chinese B2B trading platform for plastic products, has raised several millions of US dollars in a Series C round of funding from IRPC, a listed Thai petroleum and petrochemicals company.
Fund focus: MSPEA takes on Thailand
Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia raises $440 million for its first vehicle aimed at the so-far underpenetrated Thailand market
MSPEA closes debut Thailand fund at $440m
Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (MSPEA) has reached a final close on its debut Thailand-focused fund with more than $440 million in commitments. The vehicle, launched in partnership with Bangkok Bank, had an initial target of $300 million.
Global Brain leads round for SE Asia's Omise
Thailand-based financial technology company Omise has raised a funding round of undisclosed size led by Japanese venture capital investor Global Brain.
Thailand's Lakeshore buys local drug brand
Lakeshore Capital has taken a controlling stake in domestic drug manufacturer Devakam Apothecary Hall, owner of the Namman Muay analgesic cream brand, for an undisclosed amount.
IFC plans $273m Southeast Asia distress JV
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, has proposed a partnership with Philippines-based Altus Capital to invest up to $272.5 million in distressed assets in Southeast Asia.
Gobi Partners makes ASEAN appointments
Gobi Partners has strengthened its ASEAN team with the appointment of Dan Chong as COO for the region and the recruitment of two partners for its ASEAN and Thailand funds.
Southeast Asia's Zilingo raises $54m Series C round
Zilingo, an online fashion marketplace focused on Southeast Asia, has raised a $54 million Series C round led by Burda Principal Investments, Sequoia Capital India and Sofina.
Lakeshore invests in Thai wellness brand
Lakeshore Capital has invested an undisclosed amount in Thailand-based personal care brand Panpuri.
Deal focus: Tapping complexity in e-commerce
Southeast Asia-focused retailing services provider aCommerce has received $65 million in Series B funding to support not only geographical expansion but also a move into B2B to complement existing B2C capabilities
KKR media platform leads $65m round for Southeast Asia's aCommerce
Emerald Media, an Asian investment platform created by KKR, has led a $65 million Series B funding round for Thailand-based online retailing services company aCommerce.
Fintech funds: Treasuries apart
Investment strategies targeted exclusively at the convergence of financial services and technology have become commonplace. As competition picks up, success will depend on adopting skills and a global view
Lakeshore buys Thailand skincare business
Lakeshore Capital has led the acquisition of a controlling stake in Aisance, a Thailand-based skincare company that specializes in distributing products from Korea, for $15.9 million.