Siddharth Poddar

HSBC has entered into an agreement with KEB's labour union, affirming that the Korean bank will not be delisted and that its employees will be protected, if its buyout attempt is approved.

The MENA-focussed financial advisory and investment firm has purchased a stake in Step, its first private equity investment in Turkey.

The Mumbai firm is making a foray into private equity with plans to launch ‘a composite mix of sector agnostic and sectorally aligned funds’.

The Dutch bank has raised $85m for the first close of India Agri Business Fund, with IFC, FMO and DEG committing $20m each.

ET Solar has received $50m in funding in the last four months as private equity firms continue to invest heavily in China's alternative energy sector and the environment.

Daiwa, Ridgeway Capital Partners and India Knowledge Fund have invested in SOMA Networks to help expand its international operations.

Washington's Global Environment Fund has appointed Raj Pai as managing director in its Mumbai office, and is raising a $300m fund focussed on clean energy in South Asia.

Private equity fundraising, investments and exits in Asia Pacific have dropped significantly in the first first half of 2008.

Dubai-based Eastgate Capital Group has invested $23 million in Avendus Capital to fund the growth of its international operations.

Global Investment House has raised $500 million for its London Stock Exchange-listed fund focussed on financial sector assets in Middle East and North Africa.