Analysis >> Buyout
SPACs: Beneficiaries of the bull run
Special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, are staging a modest comeback in Asia on the back of a resurgence in the US. These structures offer considerable upside, but they aren’t for everyone
Korean project funds: Lines of sight
The prevalence of project funds in Korea is routinely linked to local institutional investors’ innate discomfort with blind pool vehicles. But is this dynamic holding back middle market managers?
2Q analysis: Flipping out
Flipkart sets the tone as strategics deliver tech trade sale exits; Chinese internet players and healthcare are the trendsetters in investment; buyouts, venture stand out in Asia fundraising
1Q analysis: The inevitable slow start
Traditional buyouts slip into the shade, allowing education and technology to shine; China IPOs and secondary buyouts stay strong in a weak exit market; fundraising suffers an early-year blip
Long-term capital: The patient play
Permanent and long-term capital structures are an attractive proposition for a wide range of players in Asia’s PE market, but bringing them from theory into practice presents numerous challenges
New Zealand PE: Hidden gem
Private equity is taking a bigger piece of New Zealand’s small economic pie. Investors must act opportunistically to exploit substantial potential in an inconspicuous but engaging middle market
4Q analysis: Riding the wave
Chinese companies return in strength to US bourses as investors leverage public market highs; Australia a bright spot as Asia fundraising slows; 2017 sets new record for PE investment on back of big buyouts, tech deals
AVCJ Awards: Fundraising of the Year - Mid Cap: Kedaara Capital
Having proved an ability to return capital to LPs from its debut fund, Kedaara Capital took just three months to hit the hard cap on its second India vehicle
AVCJ Awards 2017: Firm of the Year & Fundraising of the Year - Large Cap: KKR
From raising the largest pan-regional fund ever seen in Asia to concluding Japan’s biggest PE buyout, KKR has enjoyed an eventful 12 months
Asia buyouts: The big get bigger
Asia’s pan-regional buyout players are raising ever larger funds and pursuing ever larger deals. Is there now more capital in this segment of the market than places to – sensibly – put it?
Sector funds: Special forces
The proliferation of fund managers targeting relatively focused investment segments signals a new maturity in Asian private equity. The trend will evolve in step with regional markets
Japan fundraising: Middle market momentum
Japan’s buyout space has been thrust into the spotlight following a flurry of fundraising activity by domestic private equity firms. Can the middle market retain its sweet spot status?
Asia fundraising: Retail channels
Private equity firms keen to diversify their LP bases are looking to establish relations with Asia’s high net worth segment, and the private banks and wealth managers who facilitate access to this community
AVCJ Awards 2016: Fundraising of the Year - Large Cap: PAG Asia Capital
Having paid careful attention to liquidity levels in its debut vehicle, PAG Asia Capital took less than seven months to close its second regional fund at $3.6 billion
China fundraising: Joining forces
The Everbright-IDG Industrial Fund is one example of investors joining forces to address the investment opportunities created by China's evolving economy. Are two heads really better than one?
Portfolio: VIG Partners and Samyang Optics
When VIG Partners acquired Korea-based Samyang Optics, the company was a camera lens manufacturer with untapped potential. It is now looking to challenge the global elite
Portfolio: L Capital Asia and Seafolly
Beachwear maker Seafolly was already a leader in Australia when L Capital Asia acquired it in 2014. Now the founding family and the GP plan to build it into a global lifestyle brand
Portfolio: Creador and Indonesia's Simba
By acquiring Simba, Creador has entrenched itself in a small but fast-growing Indonesian cereal story. Now it will take logistical and marketing expertise to realize the potential of the local consumer market
Portfolio: New Horizon Capital and Tachikichi
New Horizon Capital has turned around ceramics maker Tachikichi by emphasizing its unique connections to Japanese culture. Now the GP hopes that strategy can take the company beyond its old restraints
Lower middle market fundraising: Early adopters
While Australia’s lower middle market still offers opportunities for conventional GPs, some managers see growing potential in alternate fund models. Skepticism is strong among their peers
Fundraising and co-investment: Friends with benefits
Co-investment is becoming more sophisticated as managers sharpen fundraising strategies and respond to the needs of large investors. It points to an increasingly customized and complicated GP-LP relationship
Portfolio: CHAMP Private Equity and Accolade
For a long time the UK and Australia operations of US wine giant Constellation Brands had been a drain on the parent company. Nevertheless, CHAMP Private Equity saw the potential for a category leader
Australia mid-market: Squeezed middle
Several Australian superannuation funds are eschewing commitments to smaller domestic GPs because they have to deploy a larger quantum of capital. If more follow suit, what does it mean for the middle market?
Portfolio: J-Star and Primagest
Primagest is a long-standing leader in Japan's document-scanning industry, but it faces challenges in terms of a transition in leadership and staying relevant as technology evolves. J-Star is providing support