GPCA covers the latest fund, investment and industry news across our markets in two newsletters: NewsWatch is a weekly round-up of key transactions across asset classes; the Global Tech Brief is a bi-weekly review of tech transactions and innovations with cross-border applications. Subscribe in the left-hand sidebar.

Access past editions of NewsWatch here.

Lok Capital Partially Exits RuralShores Business Services (Asia)

Venture capital firm Lok Capital has partially exited its investment in India-based rural business process outsourcing firm RuralShores Business Services by selling its stake to an unnamed buyer. The transaction was structured through Lok Capital Fund I. Lok Capital made a reported 6x return in INR on the investment, and remains invested in the company through a separate fund. Lok… Read More

Alibaba Group and Yunfeng Capital to Invest US$1.2 Billion in NYSE-listed Youku Tudou (Asia)

Internet-based e-commerce business Alibaba Group and private equity firm Yunfeng Capital will invest US$1.2 billion in New York Stock Exchange-listed and China-based internet television company Youku Tudou through a joint venture vehicle. Post-transaction, Alibaba and Yunfeng will hold a 16.5 percent stake and a two percent stake, respectively, in the company. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Read More

Zoyi Capital Invests in Souvenir Shop and Pineapple Cake Bakery Vigor Kobo (Asia)

China- and Taiwan-focused investment firm Zoyi Capital has invested in Taiwan-based Vigor Kobo, a souvenir shop and pineapple cake bakery. The company has identified further growth potential via a cross‐border souvenir business model catering to tourist locations in China and intends to work with Zoyi to expand Vigor Kobo’s footprint throughout the region. Financial details of the transaction were not… Read More

Leopard Haiti Fund Invests in NUtv (Latin America)

Frontier markets investment firm Leopard Capital has invested US$2.5 million for a minority stake in Haiti-based Digital Satellite Systems, the owner and operator of prepaid television service NUtv. The transaction was structured through Leopard Haiti Fund. NUtv intends to use the investment to enhance its existing network and expand its coverage, supporting Haiti’s transition from analog to digital television. Read More

CVC Capital Partners Completes an Investment in Restaurant Chain South Beauty (Asia)

Private equity and investment advisory firm CVC Capital Partners has completed an investment in China-based restaurant chain South Beauty Investment Company. After obtaining approval from relevant regulatory authorities, CVC is now the major shareholder of the company. CVC’s investment will help South Beauty drive greater economies of scale and increase operational efficiency, supporting management in areas such as upgrading their… Read More

ARIF Fund to Invest in 120 MW Wind Project in Morocco (MENA)

Infra Invest, a management company for investment funds specializing in infrastructure projects in Africa and a subsidiary of asset manager RMA Capital, has reached an agreement with UPC North Africa Renewables, part of wind energy project developer and operator the UPC Group, to acquire a 25 percent ownership position in the 120 MW Jbel-Sendouq (Khalladi) wind farm near Tangiers, Morocco.… Read More

Mekong Capital and CDH Partially Exit Mobile World (Asia)

Vietnam-focused private equity firm Mekong Capital, structured through Mekong Enterprise Fund II, has sold 5.6 million shares of Vietnam-based mobile device retailer MobileWorld Investment Corporation (Mobile World) at VND85,000 (approximately US$4) per share, equivalent to nine percent of the company’s issued shares, in a pre-listing share placement for a total consideration of VND480.2 billion (approximately US$22.8 million). Including dividends, this… Read More

Actis Establishes Credit Services Holdings, Invests in Biscuit Brand Jiashili Food Group (Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa)

Pan-emerging markets private equity firm Actis has established Credit Services Holdings (CSH), a buy-and-build credit services business, and plans to invest US$100 million in the platform. CSH’s first investment will be acquiring 100 percent of South Africa-based credit bureau Compuscan. The investment will take place alongside the Compuscan management team. Separately, Actis has invested in China-based biscuit brand Jiashili Food… Read More

UFG Private Equity Invests in Santens Service Logistics Group (CEE and CIS)

UFG Private Equity, the buyout and growth capital arm of Russia-based alternative investment group UFG Asset Management, has acquired a minority stake in Russia-based pharmaceutical logistics firm Santens Service Logistics Group. The transaction was structured through UFG Private Equity Fund II. UFG plans on investing more than US$30 million in Santens over the course of its next growth cycle, and… Read More

DLM Invista Acquires a 35 Percent Stake in Clic Holding (Latin America)

Private equity firm DLM Invista has purchased a 35 percent stake in Brazil-based travel technology group Clic Holding, the parent of three companies, Argo IT, Travel Explorer and Connect-c, which provide software and services to travel agencies. Clic Holding intends to use the fresh funding to reinforce the domestic operations of the three companies and expand their Latin American presence.… Read More

CITIC Capital and Sonae Sierra to Form China-based Joint Venture (Asia)

Alternative investment management and advisory firm CITIC Capital and international shopping center manager Sonae Sierra have launched a joint venture to provide property management and leasing services to shopping centers in China. Headquartered in Shanghai, the joint venture will focus on enhancing the experience at shopping centers. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Read More

Matrix Partners Closes Third China-focused Fund with US$350 Million in Commitments (Asia)

Venture capital firm Matrix Partners has closed its latest China-focused fund, Matrix Partners China III, with US$350 million in capital commitments. The firm targets companies in the technology, media, and telecommunications and healthcare sectors. Read More