Goldman Sachs and CDH Investments ('consortium'), the controlling shareholders of Henan Shuanghui Investment & Development Co. ('Shuanghui'), will be receiving half of Shuanghui's proposed cash dividend for the 2008 fiscal year, which amounts to 363 million yuan (US$53.1 million). Between 2006 and 2007, the consortium had committed 2.6 billion yuan in both Shuanghui and its immediate parent company, Shineway Group. (People's Republic of China)

Cosmos Bank ('Cosmos'), which is controlled by SAC Capital ('SAC') and GE Money ('GE'), will close 12 branches. In announcing its structural overhaul, Cosmos also confirmed the resignation of Mr Steve R.S. Chou, its president and chief executive officer.
       In 2007, SAC and GE injected an aggregate NT$29.7 billion (US$900 million) for a combined 81.7% stake in Cosmos. (Taiwan)

The International Finance Corp. is considering to support Honiton Energy Group's wind energy project which involves the development and operation of a portfolio of wind energy assets in Inner Mongolia, China. The total project cost is estimated at US$160 million. (People's Republic of China)

The Hangzhou Government Venture Capital Guidance Fund has agreed to inject 6 million yuan (US$0.88 million) into Pomoho.com, according to domestic reports. Pomoho.com is based in Beijing and is an online video sharing platform that was established in 2006. (People’s Republic of China)

Mr. Vivek Paul, a former partner at TPG, has set up his own private equity fund, Akansa Capital, according to various news sources. Mr Paul is hoping to raise between US$300 million and US$400 million, and will be seeking opportunities in companies based in India. (India)

Daiwa Securities SMBC Principal Investments Co. Ltd. ('Daiwa SMBC PI') announced its collaboration with Quantum Leaps Corporation, an advisory firm based in Tokyo. In their joint venture, Daiwa SMBC PI will hold a 51% interest while Quantum Leaps will take up the remaining 49%. They are also preparing to launch their joint venture maiden fund, Daiwa Quantum Capital Partners I, which will have a fund size of ¥30 billion (US$306.8 million). (Japan)

The Tianjin-government backed TEDA Investment Holding Co., Ltd. has joined hands with Robeco Group to set up a joint venture investment firm, Robeco TEDA (Tianjin) Investment Management Company. The new entity will launch a yuan-denominated fund that has a target size of 5 billion yuan (US$731.6 million). It shall invest in green products and technologies. (People’s Republic of China)

Success Universe Fund Management Co. Limited, the Hong Kong-based fund management firm, announced the launch of Success Universe Liaoning SME Industry Fund ('SME Industry Fund') to support small and medium businesses located in Liaoning province. It is the first offshore fund that has garnered the full support of the Liaoning provincial government.
       The SME Industry Fund will invest in companies with a focus on sectors like energy, mining resources and land development. (People’s Republic of China)

The Carlyle Group has made a US$20 million investment in the Shenzhen-based Ellassay International Development Co. Since opening its first store in Shenzhen in 1995, Ellassay's sales network has grown to more than 280 retail shops across the country. (People’s Republic of China)

Beijing Newcom Traffic Technology Co., Ltd., a traffic information services provider, has raised an undisclosed amount from both Siemens Venture Capital and the Canada based Grandview Pacific Investment Group. (People’s Republic of China)

Nan Shan Life Insurance Co., which is 95%-owned by American International Group ('AIG'), is reportedly receiving an expression of keen interest from Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., according to a domestic report in Taiwan. The deal is estimated at US$3 billion. (Taiwan)

AIF Capital could invest an amount equivalent to US$25 million in Singapore-listed Oceanus Group Ltd ('Oceanus'). The investment will consist of a cash term loan of US$25 million to Oceanus in exchange for warrants which can be converted into equity holdings.
       Oceanus' businesses consist of aquaculture production, as well as abalone processing and distribution. (Singapore)

Australian Discount Retail Pty. Ltd. has been sold to the Tasmania-based Retail Adventures Pty Ltd., according to Ferrier Hodgson, the administrator of the retailer that went into receivership in January this year. No transaction sum was disclosed.
       Australian Discount Retail was created in 2005 by Champ Private Equity and Catalyst Investment Managers Pty Ltd in an approximate A$212 million (US$135.9) transaction. (Australia)

3i Investors and Prax Capital sold their aggregate 13.92% stake in Little Sheep Group Ltd. ('Little Sheep'), a leading full-service restaurant chain operator in China, to Yum! Brands, Inc. Both investors, which had earlier invested an aggregate US$25 million in Little Sheep, sold a portion of their holdings at the company’s initial public offering back in June last year. (People's Republic of China)

Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co. ('PNJ') which had earlier received funds from both Mekong Capital and VinaCapital, was listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange on 23rd March. On its first day of trading, its share price closed at a 20% premium to its offer price.
       The two private equity investors had early separately committed an aggregate of over US$20 million to PNJ. (Vietnam)

UOB Venture Management clarifies that it had sold all of its holdings in Oriental Century Ltd.