Global private equity investors are expected to increase their exposure to India, say fund managers. Many new funds are also looking to tap the growth opportunities.
The UK-based Actis Capital plans to launch a $1 billion India infrastructure fund shortly. The fund already has $700 million investments in this country.
The new fund would be launched early next year, Mr Steven Enderby, Partner South Asia of Actis LLP, said at the sidelines of a conference organised by the Asia Private Equity and Venture Forum here on Tuesday.
Another overseas private equity investor, Evolvence Advisory Service will be launching a $300 million second India dedicated ‘fund of funds.’ It already has invested $400 million in India through “Evolvence India Fund.” The fund has seen a return of 80 per cent in the past three years, said Mr Jay V. Jegannathan, Managing Director. The fund has exposure in areas such as real estate, healthcare and infrastructure.
Standstone Capital LLC an India based hedge fund said it would be investing more in India. India, on a relative basis, continues to look attractive, Mr Paresh Patel, CEO of Sandstone said, speaking at the conference.
Mr Yariv Fisherman, Vice President, SFK Asia Pacific, the Israel based investment firm, said it would be launching a $300 million India fund to invest mainly in technology, water management and infrastructure sectors.
Mr Harsha Raghavan of Goldman Sachs said the private equity market in India is on the cusp of change. The buy-out market has been small but growing at a steady pace.
Source: Business Line