News
AGIC joins $1b Chinese acquisition of KraussMaffei
AGIC Capital, a private equity firm that focuses on China-Europe cross-border investments, has teamed up with two Chinese companies to acquire KraussMaffei Group from Onex Corporation at an enterprise valuation of EUR925 million ($1.01 billion).
Unitas cancels fundraising plans, China team joins Permira
Unitas Capital has decided against raising a fourth fund, and its China team, led by Jim Tsao, will join Permira under a multi-year transition agreement.
China's Ctrip invests $180m in India's MakeMyTrip
Ctrip, a listed travel services firm based in China, has agreed to invest $180 million in MakeMyTrip, India's largest online travel agency.
Eight Roads leads $30m round for China's QuanCheng
Eight Roads, an investment arm of Fidelity International, has led a $30 million Series B round of funding for QuanCheng, a Chinese software-as-a-service (Saas) start-up that specializes in expense management.
Singapore's Aslan Pharma closes $43m Series C round
Singapore-based biotech developer Aslan Pharmaceuticals has closed its Series C round of funding at $43 million with additional capital from new investor MVP Capital Partners.
India classifieds business Quikr buys CommonFloor
Indian classifieds site Quikr has bought property search website CommonFloor for an undisclosed amount. Both companies have received VC funding.
Taiwan ITRI, Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ launch VC fund
Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group have jointly set up a second venture capital fund with a target of NT$2.5 billion ($75 million).
Uber expects China to be bigger than US in 2016
Sam Gellman, general manager of Uber Hong Kong, says the ride-hailing company expects China to be an even bigger market for it than the US in the next year.
TA promotes India, Asia heads
TA Associates has promoted Naveen Wadhera, its London-based Asia co-head, to managing director, while Dhiraj Poddar (pictured), co-head of the firm’s India business, becomes a principal.
Orion, BNP form Asia alternatives partnership
BNP Paribas will take a minority stake in a newly-established partnership with Asia-based private equity and real estate player Orion Partners. They plan to launch funds together to meet growing client demand for exposure to alternatives in the region.
VC-backed Qufenqi raises new round, plans domestic IPO
Qufenqi, a Chinese electronic retailer that allows buyers to pay in installments, has completed a new round of renminbi-denominated funding, having removed its variable interest entity (VIE) structure in preparation for an onshore listing.
Rival bidder for China's iKang Healthcare hikes offer
A PE-backed consortium that includes Meinian Onehealth has increased its take-private offer for iKang Healthcare Group in response to a rival consortium led by the company’s founder bringing in a string of heavyweight investors.
VC-backed SE Asia e-commerce sites to merge
Moxy and Bilna, two VC-backed Southeast Asia e-commerce sites focused on female customers, have agreed to merge.
China entertainment news app secures $15m
France-based Ventech Capital has led a $15 million Series B round of funding for Happy Juzi, a Chinese entertainment news portal.
Olympus supports microfinance player's Asia roll-out
Olympus Capital Asia has agreed to invest $30 million in CreditAccess Asia, but this could just be the starting point as the India and Southeast Asia-focused microfinance institution (MFI) pushes into new markets, with Vietnam the likely next target.
SIDBI leads $3m Series A for India's Mycity4kids
SIDBI Venture Capital has led a $3 million Series A round for Indian online parenting portal Mycity4kids, with participation by existing investor YourNest Angel Fund.
India's Nexus re-ups in Blueshift for $8m Series A
Nexus Venture Partners has participated in an $8 million Series A round for portfolio company Blueshift, a US-based automated marketing solutions provider. The round was led by Storm Ventures.
Alibaba, OTPP join founder-led consortium bidding for iKang
Alibaba Group and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) have joined a consortium led by the founder and CEO of iKang Healthcare Group that is involved in a competitive battle to privatize the US-listed company.
L Capital to merge with US-based Catterton
L Capital, a private equity firm sponsored by luxury goods giant LVMH, will merge with consumer-focused GP Catterton to form L Catterton.
Tata Capital commits $5m to Alef Mobitech
Tata Capital has invested $5 million in Alef Mobitech Solutions, a US-based mobile internet optimization solution developer with offices in India.
Affiliated Managers Group invests in Baring Asia
Affiliated Managers Group (AMG), a US-based global asset management company, has acquired a 15% stake in Baring Private Equity Asia for an undisclosed sum.
SIG Asia joins $57m round for China online travel guide service
SIG Asia has participated in a $57 million Series D round of funding for Qyer.com, a Chinese outbound travel service provider.
China's iDreamSky agrees PE-backed take-private
Chinese mobile game publisher iDreamSky Technology has agreed to be taken private by its chairman and a string of venture capital investors. The company listed on NASDAQ in August 2014.
PAG closes second Asia fund at $3.66b - update
PAG Asia Capital has reached a first and final close on its second fund at $3.66 billion. The vehicle, which had an initial target of $3 billion, spent less than eight months in the market.