Jennifer Harris

Last week Martin Halusa took Apax investor relations in a new direction with a video message to combat 'alarming and alarmist commentary' about private equity. He told LPs that though one-quarter of Apax Europe VII’s portfolio companies are struggling, the fund could be Apax’s best vintage ever.

The discounted-cash-flow approach should not be far apart from the public-market comparable approach, argues Duffs & Phelps valuation expert PJ Viscio. General partners should avoid the temptation to 'split the difference' when different valuation methods produce different results.

One of only a few prominent Japanese buyout firms will seek to sell its stakes in three portfolio companies.

The private equity firm continues to show interest in China’s strong domestic consumer industry. The firm, which opened its first office in China in 2000, has partners with the Macquarie Group, Avenue Capital and Warburg Pincus on Chinese investments.

The venture capital firm has hired its first chief financial officer amid an active period of investing.

The 28-year-old firm continues to bolster its back office with the hire of Christopher Esqueda, who has worked as controller at several technology-based companies and started his career at Ernst & Young.

The private equity firms are investing in Chinese education services provider Ambow Education as China’s education industry continues to grow.

Amid turmoil in Iceland’s financial system, the Kaupthing-backed fund was unable to repay a credit facility. The fund’s investment manager, Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander, has been replaced.

Sydney-based placement agent Diversus Investment Advisors is establishing operations in Asia.

Beverly Berman, formerly a partner on Advent International’s IR team, has been hired as a director at Thomas H. Lee Partners.