Affinity Equity Partners has lost its ownership of the Singapore-based First Engineering Ltd., a regional leader in the field of plastic optics engineering. It came under the control of the private firm in 2007. (Singapore)

The National Development and Reform Commission confirmed the approvals of 13 private equity fund management firms that included CITIC Capital Holdings Ltd. and Legend Capital. The approvals would facilitate these firms to raise capital from China's National Social Security Fund. (People's Republic of China)

Hong Kong-listed Quam Ltd. will set up a venture capital fund that has an initial fund size of Rmb200 million (US$29.4 million). Its local partners are the Shaanxi province as well as the Xi'an High Tech Commission. (People's Republic of China)

Chaohui Industrial Fund Management Co., Ltd. ('Chaohui'), manager of the Rmb10 billion (US$1.5 billion) Shanxi Energy Industrial Investment Fund, has recently received regulatory approval for its establishment. Chaohui is co-sponsored by the China Science & Merchants Investment (Fund) Management Co., Ltd. (People's Republic of China)

NEA-IndoUS Ventures has invested in Gradatim I.T Ventures ('Gradatim') for an undisclosed amount. Gradatim is an information technology company that is headquartered in Bangalore. It operates MFResolve and MFInsure. (India)

IDFC Project Equity has agreed to invest 2.5 billion rupees (US$53.2 million) in the power subsidiary of Adhunik Metaliks Ltd. The latter, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange, had earlier raised funds from Clearwater Capital Partners. (India)

Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) Pvt. Ltd. has committed 600 million rupees (US$12.8 million) in GKC Projects Ltd., which provides construction services in infrastructure, including highways, irrigation, power and water supply projects. (India)

The Carlyle Group has completed the tender offer for shares of Chimney Co., Ltd. ('Chimney'), a restaurant chain operator. The buyout firm has secured over 87% interest in Chimney. (Japan)

Ironbridge Capital has participated in the NZ$70 million (US$49.7 million) recapitalisation of Mediaworks NZ Ltd., which came under the control of the private equity firm in 2007. (New Zealand)

Youku.com ('Youku') has raised capital from its existing investors including Bain Capital Asia LLC and Sutter Hill Ventures. This is Youku's fifth round of fund raising exercise since early 2006. (People's Republic of China)

Kunwu Jiuding Capital Co., Ltd. has invested Rmb50 million (US$7.3 million) in a local ladies fashion company, Zhuhai Wiseman Fashion Co., Ltd., which targets women in the early 20's. (People's Republic of China)

Draper Fisher Jurvetson has reportedly invested in Five Minutes, the developer of Facebook's virtual farming game, Happy Farm. This is the first round of financing for Five Minutes. (People's Republic of China)

Standard Chartered Private Equity Ltd. has invested US$22.3 million in Shandong Sangle Solar Energy Co., Ltd., which produces and distributes solar water heaters for household use in China. (People's Republic of China)

Omaha Capital China ('Omaha Capital'), has invested Rmb40 million (US$5.9 million) in DLG Battery Co., Ltd., which is engaged in the sales of rechargeable batteries in China.
       Omaha Capital focuses primarily on growth capital and venture investment opportunities in the TMT, healthcare and cleantech sectors in China. (People's Republic of China)

HSBC Private Equity (Asia) Ltd. has acquired a majority stake in The Executive Centre from Marathon Asset Management LLC. No transaction amount was disclosed. The Executive Centre operates 28 centres in 7 countries in the Asia Pacific region. (Asia Pacific)

China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co. was listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Between 2005 and 2007, The Carlyle Group and US-based Prudential Financial, Inc. have jointly invested in the insurer, which was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in late 2008. (People's Republic of China)

IDG Capital Partners has concluded its partnership with Digital China Holdings Ltd. and has recently sold all of its interest in the information technology company. Earlier, SAIF Partners, another investor in Digital China, has also pared down its holdings in the company. (People's Republic of China)

Mr Alun Branigan, Head of Actis' Southeast Asia operations, is expected to conclude his tenure with the private equity firm by the end of the year. (Singapore)