Sharon Lim

ARC Capital Holdings, a China-focused fund listed on London’s growth market, has agreed to invest $18 million in a Chinese diary company via a joint venture.

Washington State Investment Board has given a preliminary pledge to commit $500 million toward Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co’s first Asia-dedicated buyout fund.

Mekong Capital is increasing its investment in a company it first backed in early 2004 - a magnet wire manufacturer in Vietnam ahead of a company listing scheduled for 2008.

Private equity firms invested a record $7.46 billion in India during 2006, more than triple the amount invested in 2005, according to Venture Intelligence, an Indian industry research service.

3i and Khazanah, the investment arm of the Malaysian government, have completed a $620 million investment in what has been described to be the largest private placement for an Asian start-up. Each cornerstone investor committed $200 million to create the first pan-Asia focused independent reinsurer.

Warburg Pincus has acquired a 20 percent stake in 7 Days, a budget hotel chain in China. The investment has been made from the firm’s first global real estate fund which closed on $1.2 billion in October.

Dubai-based Abraaj Capital has acquired a controlling stake in a Pakistani forging house that specializes in steel components for the automotive industry. The deal is a first for Abraaj BMA Pakistan Buyout Fund, a $300 million investment vehicle.

Matrix Partners India, co-founded by local and US partners, is investing to expand Yo! China, a Chinese fast food chain, across India.

Kirkland & Ellis, a law firm, has picked Hong Kong to make its foray into Asia as China is where the firm’s private equity clients are most active.

Kirkland & Ellis, a law firm, has picked Hong Kong to make its foray into Asia as China is where the firm’s private equity clients are most active.