Analysis
China value-add: Empty promises?
Pulled by a desire to buy and build or pushed by a need to address restricted exit options, PE firms in China are placing greater emphasis on operational value-add. LPs must decide who’s all talk and who is action
Time to switch over: India's television market
The digitization of the Indian TV industry should deliver a more transparent system and an effective subscription model. PE firms can help with the infrastructure investment required to get there.
Survival of the fittest: China's internet giants go toe to toe
China's internet giants are on an acquisition spree as they seek to diversify their product platforms and carve out competitive positions in a battle that is likely to see valuations rise and rise
Structured solutions: GPs consider equity alternatives
Mainstream GPs in Asia are becoming more open to investments based on debt rather than equity, addressing entrepreneurs' reluctance to give up stakes in their businesses. How significant is the opportunity?
China webinar: Still a safe bet?
Exits have been preying on the minds of China-focused private equity investors as the IPO market so little signs of revival. It means GPs must think more broadly and more globally
Canary in the coal mine: GP economics under stress
Still dealing with the fallout from a fundraising boom, mid-market PE firms in Asia face the prospect of smaller vehicles in coming vintages, and team volatility comes as part of the package
Portfolio: Bain Capital and Domino's Pizza Japan
The US consumer cred of Domino’s Pizza means little in Japan where consumer tastes and cultural norms are very different to the West. Bain Capital took an innovative approach to cornering a competitive sector
India's education sector: Learning curve
There is no shortage of demand for services or investment opportunity in India’s education sector, but negotiating overcrowding and heavy regulation requires a clear strategy
Chinese IPOs in the US: Green shoots
Online retailer LightInTheBox is seeking to become only the third Chinese company to list in the US in more than a year. But has investor sentiment emerged from its long winter?
China's VIEs: A political football
The investment structure that has underpinned foreign investment in China’s internet and telecom sectors is being questioned by investors and regulators. Is the VIE dead and, if so, what could replace it?
China PE and mutual funds: Never the twain shall meet
China’s securities regulator has invited domestic PE firms to raise mutual funds, prompting a rival agency to forbid such a move. Regardless, industry participants are uninspired by this opportunity
1Q analysis: Hard times
Mixed fortunes for Asia buyout funds on the road; large-cap deals weaken, but venture capital activity is on the rise; exits one of few bright spots thanks to spurt in trade sales
The Abe effect: Japan's economic reforms
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has unveiled aggressive economic reforms, sending the country's stock market up and its currency down. PE can benefit but longer-term change would be even more helpful
Korea buyouts: Young pretender?
South Korea was the only significant PE market in Asia to see an uptick in deal flow last year. Investors have high expectations; uncertainty among local conglomerates – and local GPs – could make or break them
Chaebol cross-shareholding: David and Goliath
Removing cross-shareholding structures that hold Korea’s conglomerates together, and arguably suffocate competition, is key to economic democratization. But will it happen and what would it mean for PE?
Strained relations: Foreign PE and financial services
Global buyout firms have seen less deal flow in South Korea in recent years, with financial services sector activity a shadow of its former self. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are unwelcome
Australia VC: New faces
A new generation of VC firms is emerging in Australia, despite little appetite for the asset class from domestic LPs. Success hinges on leveraging Silicon Valley networks and targeting particular market niches
On rocky ground: PE's Mongolia risk factor
Rich in mining resources, Mongolia has a bright economic future, but vulnerability to commodity price shocks and an uncertain political climate have made many investors wary of taking the risk
Pay to play: Australia's fee debate
The debate over private equity fees in Australia is a hotly contested domestic issue, but its long-term implications say much about how the asset class might evolve at a global level
Indonesia mid-market: It's who you know
Although not overrun with GPs, Indonesia’s mid-market is difficult to penetrate. Access to local networks through which deals can be sourced is a good first step. After that, it’s entrepreneur management
Indonesia fundraising: Reality check
Few Indonesia-focused GPs that sprung up in recent years have made headway. It points to a still immature local market and recognition amongst LPs that they can get exposure to the country in other ways
PE recruitment: New territory, new talent
Indonesia has become a priority for global and regional PE firms looking to source deals in a high-growth market. The first step is finding the right people, and it’s not easy
China secondaries: When push comes to shove
China GPs are under pressure to return cash to investors but IPO exits are challenging. Secondary sales are emerging as an option. Who best placed to deliver on the US dollar and renminbi sides?
Portfolio: Navis Capital and Malaysia's Alliance Cosmetics
Alliance Cosmetics was already the dominant force in Malaysian make-up market when it was acquired by Navis Capital Partners in 2010. The next step was to use this experience to break into Indonesia