News
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.
US strategic to buy PE-backed Australia payroll business
Ceridian, a US-based human resources technology provider has agreed to acquire Australian payroll software specialist Ascender, setting up exits for Potentia Capital and Five V Capital.
Sailing, GF lead $77m round for Chinese cognitive AI specialist
Dmai, a Chinese cognitive artificial intelligence (AI) platform also known as Anwu Zhineng, has raised RMB500 million ($77 million) in a Series A round led by Sailing Capital and GF Venture Capital.
China gas station location platform Newlink raises $100m
Newlink Group, operator of a platform that helps drivers in China locate the best value gas stations, has raised $100 million in funding led by CMB International. Other investors include Hongtai Capital, Joy Capital and Nio Capital.
VI Group, SIG lead $15m round for Vietnam's Elsa
Vietnam-based English language education app operator Elsa has raised a $15 million Series B round co-led by local private equity firm VI Group and SIG.
CLSA partially exits Japan medical IT provider
CLSA Capital Partners (CLSA CP) has partially exited its position in NHOSA Corporation, a Japanese IT provider for dental clinics and medical institutions.
Allen & Overy strengthens Asia fund formation capabilities
Allen & Overy has recruited James Ford from O’Melveny & Myers as a partner in its Asia Pacific funds and asset management group. He continues to be based in Hong Kong.
China's Didi raises $300m for autonomous driving unit
Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing has raised $300 million for its autonomous driving unit, with IDG Capital taking the lead.
Tencent backs China enterprise training start-up
Yunxuetang, a Chinese online corporate training services provider, has raised more than $100 million in the first tranche of Series E round led by Tencent Holdings.
EQT launches in Japan as part of regional buildout
EQT has formally entered the Japan market – striking a partnership with Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) to aid its local penetration – as part of a broader plan to increase its Asia private equity exposure.
Prosus Ventures appoints head of Southeast Asia
Prosus Ventures, formerly a VC arm of South African conglomerate Naspers, has engaged Sachin Bhanot as its Singapore-based head of Southeast Asia.
GGV closes latest US dollar funds at $2.5b
GGV Capital has closed its latest set of US dollar-denominated funds with $2.52 billion in aggregate commitments. It represents the largest fundraising since the firm’s inception in 2000.
Longreach sells Japanese jeweler to Integral
The Longreach Group has exited Primo Japan to Integral Corporation for an undisclosed sum. This makes Integral the jewelry retailer’s fourth consecutive private equity owner.
New Zealand's Oriens Capital acquires biosecurity specialist
New Zealand private equity firm Oriens Capital has agreed to acquire a 70% position in IVS Group, a local biosecurity services specialist, for an undisclosed sum.
China chip designer Memsic raises $155m
Memsic, a Chinese semiconductor design company that was privatized with support from IDG Capital in 2013, has raised more than RMB1 billion ($155 million) led by an industry fund under Hangzhou Fortuna Investment Management.
General Atlantic backs Indonesia biotech developer
General Atlantic has invested $55 million in Kalbe Genexine Biologics, an Indonesia-based drug developer focusing on Southeast Asia.
Aspex leads $200m Series E for Hong Kong's Klook
Aspex Management has led a $200 million Series E round for Klook as the Hong Kong travel app pivots to domestic holiday services during a freeze in international tourism.
Carlyle-backed consortium sweetens offer for Japan Asia Group
The Carlyle Group and the chairman of Japan Asia Group (JAG) have doubled the size of their tender offer for the Tokyo-listed company following pressure from an activist investor. The chairman is contributing most of the additional equity.
CVC recruits EQT's Asia mid-market head
Martin Mok has joined CVC Capital Partners as a Hong Kong-based senior managing director after spending nearly 20 years with EQT.
Qiming raises $441m for its sixth renminbi fund
Qiming Venture Partners has closed its sixth renminbi-denominate vehicle at RMB2.85 billion ($441 million), taking the firm's total assets under management to $5.9 billion.
Chinese medical robot maker raises $93m
Edge Medical, a China-based manufacturer of surgical robots, has raised a RMB600m ($93m) series B round led by Lyfe Capital and Hong Kong-listed Kangji Medical.
PE-owned Aadhar Housing Finance files for India IPO
Aadhar Housing Finance, an Indian affordable housing lender acquired by The Blackstone Group in 2019, is looking to raise up to INR73 billion ($1 billion) through a domestic IPO.
Hong Kong's E15 VC closes second fund at $32m
Hong Kong technology investor E15 VC, also known as E15 Ventures, has closed its second fund at $32 million with a $15 million contribution from Sun Hung Kai & Co (SHK).
500 Startups appoints Asia regional director
500 Startups has appointed Ee Ling Lim, formerly the VC’s country lead for Singapore, as regional director for Asia Pacific.