The Carlyle Group has held a final close of Carlyle Asia Partners IV (CAP IV) at $3.9 billion, more than 50% larger than its predecessor fund. Carlyle’s Asia buyout funds make control and significant minority investments in companies across the Asia ex-Japan region.
Through June 2014, Carlyle has invested $14.1 billion in equity throughout the Asia Pacific region. In China alone, Carlyle has invested $5.2 billion in about 80 transactions as of June 2014, making it one of the largest foreign investors in China.
CAP IV made its first investment in May in ADT Korea, a security services company. In August, the fund invested in Ganji.com, a China-based operator of online and mobile-based classified advertising.
“Carlyle is a pioneer in private equity investing in Asia,” said David Rubenstein, Co-CEO of The Carlyle Group. “Our diverse Asian platform has created significant value for our investors. We are excited about the great opportunities we see throughout Asia and are committed to investing resources, expertise and capital in this critical region of the global economy.”
The Carlyle Asia buyout team has 44 investment professionals in eight offices who advise four pan-Asia funds and one RMB fund. Sectors of interest include consumer and retail; financial services; technology, media & telecommunications; and healthcare. Carlyle Asia has had a presence in the Asia Pacific region since 1998 and has offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Mumbai, Seoul, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo.
“We appreciate the support of our fund investors who share our belief and confidence in the current and long-term investment opportunities in Asia,” said X.D. Yang, Managing Director and Co-Head of the Carlyle Asia buyout team. “We believe that the regional economy will continue to grow much faster than the rest of the world. Rising middle class and their demand for better products and services are key drivers of these investment opportunities.”
The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) invests in buyouts, growth capital, real estate and leveraged finance in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Carlyle has expertise in various industries, including: aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrial, real estate, technology & business services, telecommunications & media and transportation. The firm employs approximately 1,600 people in 38 offices across six continents and is based in Washington, DC (www.carlyle.com).
2014 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 9-9-14
