The world’s largest private equity firms are facing a fresh test after raising some of the biggest Asia-focused funds on record: finding enough large deals to put that capital to work. In one of the most-read analytical pieces of the month, we examine how Asia offers a smaller universe of billion-dollar buyouts and large-scale corporate transactions compared to Western markets.
We also reported on potential processes at Warburg-backed MoMo, Vietnamese dairy firm TH Group, Advantage Partners-backed Pharmaforte, and EQT exploring minority stake sales in two Southeast Asian portfolio firms.
From Greater China, we examined how PE firms and multinational beauty groups are snapping up clinically proven, medical-grade assets as the popularity of ‘K-beauty’ and R&D advances drive Korean medical aesthetics into a global trend.
From India, our top story was an interview with the top executive at Stellaris Venture Partners, which is now placing a major bet on AI-led startups building products for global markets.
In case you missed these, here are some of the deeply reported top stories that our readers and subscribers loved in June 2026:
Southeast Asia
PE, strategic investors said to explore deal in Warburg-backed MoMo
Blackstone and Japan’s MUFG are said to be among the five investors considering an investment in the digital wallet and fintech superapp.
EQT weighs sale of minority stakes in two SE Asia portfolios
Should a transaction materialise, the deal could fetch as much as $200 million for EQT’s five-year-old investment.
PE giants face Asia deployment test after record $62b fundraising
The huge targets add to doubts over whether the region’s deal market can absorb such large pools of capital.
Vietnamese dairy firm TH Group approaches PEs for minority stake sale
The company is looking to sell a stake of about 30% for up to $1 billion, and has approached global PE firms including KKR, Warburg Pincus and CVC.
Grab in talks to join over $100m funding of unicorn lending unit
Should Grab close the deal, it would strengthen its lending business, which spans BNPL, driver and merchant financing.
PE firms, strategic investors eye stake in Advantage Partners-backed Pharmaforte
The proposed sale could pave the way for an exit for its existing backer, Advantage Partners, which acquired a majority stake in the company in 2021.
Indonesia’s Adivira Capital acquires SG medical aesthetics group
Adivira is seeking to execute an integrated regional skincare play, pairing the Singaporean asset with Indonesia’s Euromedica Group.
Indonesia’s Akseleran, AwanTunai face business continuity strain
For Akseleran, concerns among retail lenders have intensified while AwanTunai is winding down a portion of its unsecured SME lending business.
CVC to sell 40% in PH’s Fast Group back to founding family
CVC has recently been actively divesting its Asian assets before the timeline for the new fundraise comes.
Six Indonesian companies head for IPOs in first test of new market rules
After a subdued start to the year, Indonesia’s equity capital market has suddenly jolted to life towards the end of the first half.
Greater China
How LYFE Capital’s Koru deal signals new paradigm of buy-and-build
PE firms are snapping up medical-grade assets as the popularity of ‘K-beauty’ and R&D advances drive Korean medical aesthetics into a global trend.
Asia’s AI fundraising surpasses $20b. Who is writing the big cheques?
Greater China accounted for about 90% of the total, reflecting both the size of its funding market and the depth of its AI ecosystem.
India
FMO proposes $20m investment in South Asia Growth Fund IV
The fund is managed by GEF Capital Partners and is targeting total commitments of $600 million—about 1.4 times the size of its predecessor vehicles.
India’s Stellaris bets big on AI-led startups targeting global markets
The strategy marks an evolution for Stellaris, which has backed SaaS, financial services, consumer brands, ecommerce, education, EVs and healthcare.
