ASIA IN BRIEF 2009-01-01 Staff Writer Global private equity firm <bold>The Blackstone Group</bold> has signed a memorandum of understanding with the W229 trillion ($183 billion) National Pension Service, to invest up to $2 billion alongside it in undervalued stocks, bonds and real estate in the K
The firm will also cut management fees across the board and has promised not to call more than 30% of LPs’ total commitment next year.
The package reportedly includes subsidies of up to CNY 5m for private equity firms and will be launched before the end of the year.
The private equity unit of Middle East bank Emirates NBD is targeting $500m for its MENASA-focused fund.
An increase in US deal flow is dependent on the credit markets even as private equity firms are bullish on valuations, according to Ernst & Young.
The Switzerland-based firm was targeting $1bn for its second Asia-focused ‘programme’, a series of vehicles which will invest in primary funds and secondary transactions and also partner on direct investments.
The listed Permira investor has taken a number of measures to boost liquidity, including reducing by £796m its original commitment to Permira’s fourth buyout fund.
Despite a number of stellar performances from the likes of Altor and HitecVision, Nordic fundraising for the first half of 2008 was down more than 50% year-on-year, while investments dropped by around a third.
Morgan Stanley Real Estate focuses on commingled fund operation as it pulls out of the separate accounts business.
The Robert Bass-founded private equity firm is nearing its $4bn fundraising target and expects a final close in February.