The Private Equity Market after the Subprime Crisis in the Asia-Pacific Region

By many measures, 2011 provided long-awaited proof of a rebound in the Asia-Pacific private-equity (PE) business after the protracted downturn of 2008 through 2010. While in the United States and Europe, the industry's recovery remained muted in the face of debt worries and weak employment data, the Asia-Pacific region's total PE investment values have returned to 2006 levels, or some $65 billion. China alone accounted for almost 45% of the new activity, indicating that the expansion has not been uniform. But even more mature markets, such as Japan and Australia / New Zealand, showed some signs of life. On the whole, the region is now in its strongest position since the global economic crisis. Moreover, although the Asia-Pacific region now accounts for 21% of the global PE industry, that level is still lower than its share of global GDP, which has reached 28%. The region's low PE penetration rate also confirms the likelihood of room for further growth. The nature of the opportunity is changing quickly and will require industry players to develop new flexibility and capabilities. For example, although China continues to show long-term promise, its slowing growth and rising sophistication will create openings very different from those that arose in even the recent past. Throughout Asia, local players are acquiring new skills that make them sharper competitors and more valuable partners.