The International Finance Corporation could invest in Tropical Forest Fund L.P. which will be launched by the Australia-based New Forests Asset Management Pty Limited. The fund has a target size of US$100 million. (South Pacific)

Malaysia Venture Capital Management Bhd., a Malaysian government-owned venture capital firm, has committed an aggregate 50 million ringgitt (US$14.2 million) to two local private equity funds, Astra Capital Sdn Bhd and QMA Capital Sdn. Bhd, through its Outsource Partners Programme 2. (Malaysia)

China Great Wall Computer Group Co. Ltd. is seeking to dispose of its entire stake in Infotech Pacific Ventures. Established in 2000, Infotech is a venture capital firm that seeks early stage opportunities in China. (People’s Republic of China)

The Executive Yuan's National Development Fund has agreed to invest NT$500 million (US$15.3 million) for a stake in PV Next, a joint venture established by Taiwan's Ritek Group and Dutch-based Scheuten Solar Holding B.V.. (Taiwan)

Nature Elements Capital, formed by former senior managers of Climate Change Capital, is reportedly mulling over the idea of setting up two funds, one yuan-denominated and another in US currency. (People’s Republic of China)

UTEC (The University of Tokyo Edge Capital) announced the first closing of its latest venture capital fund, UTEC2 Investment LP (UTEC2). Having a fund life of ten years, the new fund has a target final closing of ¥10 billion by the end of this year. (Japan)

Primus Financial Holdings Ltd. will join forces with the Hong Kong-listed China Strategic Holdings Limited to bid for Nan Shan Life Insurance Company Ltd., the Taiwan-based insurance arm of American International Group. The sale is expected to fetch US$2 billion. (Taiwan)

New Horizon Capital (‘New Horizon’) has agreed to invest US$30 million in Exceed Company Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of 2020 ChinaCap Acquirco, Inc. ('ChinaCap').
      At the same time, New Horizon will also allocate US$2. 5 million to Windrace International Limited ('Windrace'), a footwear company for the latter to purchase ChinaCap's warrants on the open market. (People's Republic of China)

Shenzhen Fortune Venture Capital Co. Ltd. has teamed up with four strategic investors to commit Rmb455 million (US$66.9 million) to Zhongnan Publishing and Media Group Company Ltd.. The latter is believed to be preparing for it’s a-share listing. (People's Republic of China)

The India investment arm of the Swiss-based BTS Investment Advisors Ltd. confirmed that its has invested 250 million rupees (US$5 million) in shipping company Caravel Logistics Pvt. Ltd.. (India)

Franklin Templeton Private Equity Strategy, a private equity fund managed by Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) Private Limited, has invested in education provider Career Point Infosystems Limited ('Career Point'). The transaction is advised by Darby Overseas Investment Limited, the private equity arm of Franklin Templeton Investments. (India)

India Financial Inclusion Fund ('IFIF'), advised by Caspian Advisors Private Limited, has committed to Sonata Finance Private Limited, an investment in microfinance institution. IFIF was set up in August 2008 and focuses on making investments in microfinance institutions in India. (India)

Matrix Partners India has participated in a second round financing of Quikr India, formerly known as Kijiji India, a community website. The transaction was led by Omidyar Network, an investment firm established by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife. (India)

Small Enterprise Assistance Funds ('SEAF') has invested US$1.7 million in Vietnam's Hoa Binh Construction & Real Estate Corporation ('Hoa Binh'), a construction company involved in a wide range of construction and civil engineering activities. (Vietnam)

Adani Power Limited, backed by 3i Group plc, is scheduled to be listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India. It has completed the allocation of shares to selected anchor investors, with TPG being named. (India)

The Sumitomo Trust and Banking Co., Ltd. has agreed to buy up to 98.55% of all outstanding shares of Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd. ('Nikko AM') which is valued at US$1.26 billion. At the end of 2004, Warburg Pincus and GIC Special Investments Pte. Ltd. invested in Nikko AM. (Japan)

Mr Vishnu Varshney, former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the India-based GVFL Ltd., has passed away. (India)