Trusted Insighthttp://thetrustedinsight.com/2019-08-22T07:11:06.262014-04:00Trusted Insight, the world's largest platform for institutional investors with 40,000 LP investor professionals in 98 countries and territories around the globe. 30,000 institutional investors engage with Trusted Insight each week. They are actively investing in alternative assets, primarily private equity, hedge funds, real estate and private companies. Our users consist of pension funds, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, banks and insurance companies. 83% of Trusted Insight users continue to use the platform 6 months after initially signing up. Investors on the platform, on average manage in excess of $5 billion. We are a platform for qualified purchasers, not high net worth investors.
NZ Super Fund Welcomes Introduction Of Venture Capital Fund Bill
2019-08-22T07:11:06.262014-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/nz-super-fund-welcomes-introduction-of-venture-capital-fund-bill-new-zealand-super-fund-20190822192/
The legislation will establish a new Venture Capital Fund, which aims to attract private sector investors to the domestic venture capital market and help innovative, knowledge‐intensive businesses to grow.
NZ Super Tweaks Investment Strategy After Volatile Year, Big Market Swings
2019-08-13T23:31:06.083241-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/nz-super-tweaks-investment-strategy-after-volatile-year-and-big-market-swings-20190813511/
Over the last 12 months, the fund has invested in data centers in North America, rural land, a portfolio of hotels and is "looking to increase exposure to equity factors."
Biological Warfare Is The Biggest Threat: Y Combinator's Sam Altman
2018-09-06T12:31:04.697642-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/y-combinators-sam-altman-biological-warfare-is-the-biggest-threat-20180906692/
Y Combinator president Sam Altman says people are not as scared about biological warfare "as they should be." Seven Silicon Valley entrepreneurs have bought bunkers in New Zealand, which has become a popular destination for tech millionaires worried about an upcoming apocalypse.
New Zealand To VCs, Managers Buying Up Its Land: No More
2018-08-16T15:51:05.432329-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-to-vcs-and-hedge-fund-managers-buying-up-its-land-no-more-techcrunch-20180816104/
Over the last couple of years, a once well-kept secret began to gain traction in New York media outlets: wealthy American investors, including VCs and hedge fund managers, had begun snapping up tracts of land in New Zealand.
New Zealand Super Fund Appoints New CEO
2018-06-19T09:06:06.987724-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/matt-whineray-appointed-as-nz-super-funds-ceo-20180619081/
New Zealand Superannuation has appointed its interim CEO Matt Whineray as the CEO of the $28 billion fund, an appointment that followed a global, publicly-advertised search process conducted through an executive search firm.
How New Zealand Super Fund 'Leverages' Its Natural Advantage | CEO Adrian Orr | Exclusive Q&A
2017-12-12T15:50:29.353782-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/how-nz-super-fund-leverages-its-natural-advantage--20171212251/
Adrian Orr is the chief executive officer of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, which manages 37.2 billion New Zealand dollars. It reported a 20.7 percent return for fiscal 2017, making it one of the best-performing sovereign wealth funds in the world. In this interview, Orr discusses the growth factors associated with the fund's impressive returns; what it's like investing through the lens of an economist; and how sovereign wealth funds leverage their natural advantages of long-term horizon, liquidity and operational independence.
New Zealand Government Appoints New Reserve Bank Governor
2017-12-11T06:01:06.498328-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-government-appoints-ex-central-banker-orr-as-new-reserve-bank-governor-reuters-20171211175/
The New Zealand government named pension fund chief Adrian Orr as the nation’s new central bank governor, sharply lifting the local dollar as markets bet a radical shake-up of monetary policy will be avoided when changes come into force next year.
New Zealand Super Fund Posts Returns 20.7% In 2017
2017-09-28T07:11:05.858967-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/nz-super-fund-posts-207-return-for-june-2017-year-swfi-sovereign-wealth-fund-institute-20170928966/
The New Zealand Superannuation Fund posted a 20.7% return (after costs, before New Zealand tax) for a 12-month trailing period ended June 30, 2017. A good portion of the return was carried on by a prolonged rally in global equity markets. When it came to surpassing the passive benchmark, NZ Super outperformed by utilizing its strategic tilting program.
The Harvard Yard Sale: Private Equity, Real Estate And New Zealand Dairy Farms
2017-06-08T10:58:57.135253-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/the-harvard-yard-sale-private-equity-real-estate-and-new-zealand-dairy-farms-20170608186/
Private-equity giant KKR nears $70 million deal for some of the endowment’s farm holdings, including 8,500 acres of dairy farms on the South Island of New Zealand
New Zealand VC, PE Activity On The Rise
2017-06-07T11:15:28.009119-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-vc-pe-activity-on-the-rise-20170607153/
An increase in total buy-out investments proved a big factor in the growth through 2016 of the private equity and venture capital market in New Zealand. It concludes that fund-raising activity there has reached a milestone, hitting again a levels not seen since 2007. Here are the dominant sectors for VC activity.
NZ Super Fund Rates Among Global Leaders In Global Climate Index Report
2017-05-01T15:36:43.776499-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/nz-super-fund-rates-among-global-leaders-in-global-climate-index-report-20170501014/
The New Zealand Superannuation Fund has achieved an AAA rating in the latest Global Climate Index report, and ranks at 15 in its list of top global asset managers.<br />
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The report covers 500 of the world’s biggest asset owners and rates them in terms of their strategies in responding to risks from climate change.
NZ Super Fund Stumbles In Wind Turbine Investment Ogin, Writes Off
2017-04-24T16:18:25.551551-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/nz-super-fund-stumbles-in-wind-turbine-investment-ogin-writes-off-20170424839/
The New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZ Super), which made a pivot toward green energy investments in the past few years, has experienced a loss. NZ Super’s investment in Ogin, a U.S. wind turbine company, is being completely written off as Ogin is being wound down. Ogin, formerly known as FloDesign, had sold its wind turbine applications platform to Vestas. Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), the manager of Alberta’s Heritage Fund, was also an investor in Ogin. Ogin developed the Mixer-Ejector Wind Turbine (MEWT).
Banks And Hedge Funds Aligned On Poor Prospects For Wheat Prices
2017-04-19T11:29:20.913009-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/banks-and-hedge-funds-aligned-on-poor-prospects-for-wheat-prices-20170419725/
Analysts concur with hedge funds that wheat prices may be in
for a long spell of weakness, but are more upbeat on prospects for cocoa and
soybean futures, and more pessimistic on cotton values....
Shell Switches New Zealand Holdings Ahead Of Possible Divestment
2017-04-06T18:01:06.291258-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/shell-switches-new-zealand-holdings-ahead-of-possible-divestment-20170406287/
Royal Dutch Shell sold its stake in a New Zealand gas field while taking over the field's operating company as part of a plan to possibly divest its holdings in the country later on.
TMT Ventures Realize Exit As Phitek Systems Sold To US Tech Player
2017-01-30T12:13:51.640182-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/tmt-ventures-realize-exit-as-phitek-systems-sold-to-us-tech-player-20170130944/
Direct Capital-managed TMT Ventures & Stephen Tindal's K1W1 investment vehicle got exits. The post New Zealandâs VC-backed Phitek Systems sold to US tech player appeared first on DealStreetAsia.
NZ Super Fund To Invest $180M In New Zealand SMCs
2016-12-19T14:44:18.694506-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/nz-super-fund-to-invest-180m-in-new-zealand-smcs-20161219654/
<p>New Zealand-based global investment fund the NZ Super Fund announced on December 19 that it will be investing up to $180 million (NZ$260 million) in domestic small-medium sized companies (SMCs) over the next five to 10 years.</p>
<p>NZ Super Fund has set three mandated targets ― to pre-fund universal superannuation in New Zealand, such as NZ$90 million in Direct Capital’s V Fund, NZ$120 million into Pioneer Capital’s III Fund, and up to NZ$50 million into Movac’s IV Fund.</p>
Canadian Pension Fund Enters AMP Capital Property Portfolio
2016-12-13T14:49:54.028354-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/canadian-pension-fund-enters-amp-capital-property-portfolio-20161213438/
<p>The billion-dollar New Zealand property portfolio managed by AMP Capital is welcoming its latest co-investor, a second Canadian pension fund.</p>
<p>The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is acquiring a 50% stake from fellow Canadian owner, the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments).</p>
CPPIB Signs Agreement To Acquire 50% Interest In New Zealand Office And Retail Portfolio
2016-12-12T13:02:22.489820-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/cppib-signs-agreement-to-acquire-50-interest-in-new-zealand-office-and-retail-portfolio-20161212371/
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire a 50% interest in a diversified portfolio of prime office and retail properties in New Zealand from the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments). The 50% interest is valued at NZ$580 million (C$545 million) with an equity investment of NZ$230 million (C$216 million) subject to customary closing adjustments. PSP Investments will continue to hold the remaining 50% interest. The portfolio will continue to be managed by AMP Capital, an existing partner of CPPIB in Australia.
Harvard Management Company Invests In New Zealand Dairy Farm
2016-10-31T19:54:32.522367-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/harvard-management-company-invests-in-new-zealand-dairy-farm-20161031558/
Prestigious Ivy League university Harvard has expanded its dairy holdings in New Zealand now that the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) has approved the sale of 143 hectares in Central Otago for $1.3 million.
The land borders Maniototo's Big Sky Dairy Farm, which the Harvard Management Company bought six years ago for more than $28m. Described as New Zealand's first super dairy farm, running 6000 cows on 1600 ha, the Big Sky dairy syndicate was formed in 2001 by deceased Dunedin businessman Howard Paterson. It went into liquidation in 2009.
However, the company has managed to turn the farm into profit.
The OIO said Harvard currently leased the land from the vendor, McSkimming Farm Limited, to support its dairy operations on its neighbouring farms. It intended to buy the land freehold to continue to operate it as dairy support and to develop a water storage reservoir.
NZ Super Fund Partners In US Renewables
2016-10-06T14:50:09.011456-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/nz-super-fund-partners-in-us-renewables-20161006285/
The New Zealand Superannuation Fund is partnering with an infrastructure manager to make an initial investment in a US-based renewable energy development.
3 Chinese Cities Slap Restrictions On Foreign Buyers
2016-10-03T14:25:07.694867-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/3-chinese-cities-slap-restrictions-on-foreign-buyers-20161003071/
While New Zealand debates the impact of foreign buyers on the ever surging property market, three Chinese cities have announced new restrictions on property purchases.
New Zealand Super Fund Return Drops
2016-09-21T11:55:24.422406-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-super-fund-return-drops-20160921507/
The New Zealand Superannuation Fund delivered a lower return in its latest financial year, dragged down by negative returns from global equities.
Blackstone-Backed Oil Firm Makes First Move In North Sea M&A
2016-08-22T16:17:29.909516-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/blackstone-backed-oil-firm-makes-first-move-in-north-sea-ma-20160822059/
Private equity-backed oil and gas venture Siccar Point Energy announced its first North Sea investment on Tuesday and said it planned to do more deals over the next year as cash-rich firms step up activity after a two-year rout in the sector.
Siccar Point, headed by Jonathan Roger, a former Centrica executive, and backed by private equity firm Blue Water Energy and Blackstone (BX.N), acquired a 8.9 percent stake in the UK North Sea Mariner field from JX Nippon (5020.T).
Several private equity, or PE, funds such as Carlyle Group (CG.O) and CVC Partners have joined forces with veteran energy executives in recent years to form companies seeking to snap up assets around the world amid the sharp drop in oil prices.
Northern Trust Wins Two New Zealand Super Mandates
2016-08-22T11:18:35.113634-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/northern-trust-wins-two-new-zealand-super-mandates-20160822995/
Northern Trusts Asset Management has been handed two new factor investing mandates by The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation.
Ed Hyde Named CEO Of Spark Ventures
2016-08-16T12:42:27.458389-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/ed-hyde-named-ceo-of-spark-ventures-20160816734/
Spark New Zealand announced the appointment of Ed Hyde as the new CEO for Spark Ventures and a member of the Spark Leadership Team as of 1 October. Hyde will be replacing Rod Snodgrass who is leaving Spark later in the year to concentrate on driving corporate innovation and growth across a select range of New Zealand businesses.
Australian Lifesciences VC Brandon Capital Expands Reach To New Zealand
2016-07-27T15:19:40.058284-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/australian-lifesciences-vc-brandon-capital-expands-reach-to-new-zealand-20160727655/
Brandon Capital Partners manages the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), an investment collaboration between major Australian superannuation funds and more than 50 of Australia’s leading medical research institutes and research hospitals.
Terra Firma Hires Banking Guru Andrew Geczy As CEO
2016-07-21T11:11:36.540385-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/terra-firma-hires-banking-guru-andrew-geczy-as-ceo-20160721304/
Mr. Geczy joins the private equity firm after stints at the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, the Lloyds Banking Group and Citigroup.
Goodman In $206M Office Sell-Off
2016-07-14T15:00:16.459992-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/goodman-in-206m-office-sell-off-20160714975/
Goodman Property Trust will sell three of its Auckland offices for $206 million to reduce debt.
20 Largest Sovereign Wealth Funds In Asia-Pacific
2016-07-13T15:53:13.371283-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/20-largest-sovereign-wealth-funds-in-asia-pacific-20160713942/
<span style="line-height: 20.8px;">Asia-Pacific is a major player in the universe of sovereign wealth funds. The region accounts for nearly 45 percent of the $6.31 trillion in total global sovereign wealth fund assets. Here are the 20 largest sovereign wealth funds in Asia-Pacific:</span>
How A Chinese Billionaire Grabbed A $260M Stake In Virgin
2016-06-13T14:49:44.494701-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/how-a-chinese-billionaire-grabbed-a-260m-stake-in-virgin-20160613382/
There is lots of serendipity behind Chinese billionaire Song Suowen's strategic purchase of a 20 per cent stake in Virgin Australia for $260 million.
Vodafone Grabs Control Of New Zealand's TV Provider Sky Network In $2.4B Merger
2016-06-09T12:03:11.043783-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/vodafone-grabs-control-of-new-zealands-tv-provider-sky-network-in-24b-merger-20160609165/
The combined group will be one of the largest companies listed on the New Zealand stock exchange and will have forecast pro-forma revenue of NZ$2.9 billion.
Scientist Turned Hedge Fund Founder Cuts Profitable Aussie Short
2016-05-31T15:31:56.309799-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/scientist-turned-hedge-fund-founder-cuts-profitable-aussie-short-20160531570/
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world....
New Global Fund Targets Startups From New Zealand And Taiwan
2016-05-23T14:33:50.295619-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-global-fund-targets-startups-from-new-zealand-and-taiwan-20160523087/
A growing startup scene attracts more investment through the New Zealand and Taiwanese governments.
NZ's Biggest RE Investor Kiwi Property Doubles Profit
2016-05-16T13:30:09.993906-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/nzs-biggest-re-investor-kiwi-property-doubles-profit-20160516608/
A ‘well positioned’ Kiwi Property Group has grown net profit to $250.8M, and is focusing on new acquisitions.
New Zealand SWF Axes 8 Private Equity Funds
2016-05-11T11:17:39.930790-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-swf-axes-8-private-equity-funds-20160511270/
CalPERS isn’t the only asset owner culling its roster on a mission to simplify.
New Zealand Residential Market Fails To Attract FDI
2016-05-10T10:50:07.830170-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-residential-market-fails-to-attract-fdi-20160510180/
Only a fraction of those in the New Zealand property market are made up of foreign buyers, according to new data.
New Zealand Superannuation Fund Sells PE Real Estate Funds
2016-05-10T10:30:10.121526-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-superannuation-fund-sells-pe-real-estate-funds-20160510167/
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New Zealand Angel Investment At Record Levels In 2015
2016-04-11T12:26:14.567485-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-angel-investment-at-record-levels-in-2015-20160411770/
<p>Angel investing has hit a record level in New Zealand. The NZ Venture Investment Fund (NZVIF) says $61.2 million was invested last year by angel investor groups. The money was invested in 94 start-up companies. The average deal size was $464,000, which was lower than the average investment of $490,000 in 2014. But the total funding of $61 million was nine percent up on the $56.4 million invested in 2014.</p>
Royal Berkshire Pension Fund Makes First Investment In Farmland
2016-04-01T17:02:32.365844-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/royal-berkshire-pension-fund-makes-first-investment-in-farmland-20160401564/
The Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund (RCBPF) has made its first investment in farmland, a £30m (€38.2m) commitment to two funds that own five working farms, with one fund investing in Australia and the other in New Zealand.
Milltrust Agricultural Investments (MAI) manages the funds, with RCBPF as the seed investor.
The MAI Buy and Lease Australia Fund and the MAI Buy and Lease New Zealand Fund, structured as open-ended Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles (ICAVs), invest in established cashflow-positive farms, are leased to experienced lessee operators and are located in established agricultural regions.
They invest in farmland assets including permanent crops, arable and pastoral farms and water entitlements.
Pension Funds Say Pearson Relies Too Much On U.S. Testing Business
2016-03-23T17:47:16.591501-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/pension-funds-say-pearson-relies-too-much-on-us-testing-business-20160323108/
The coalition of unions — the British-based TU Fund Managers; the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund; and UNISON, which is one of the largest trade unions in Britain and 130 individual shareholders — has sent a resolution to Pearson demanding that it “conduct a thorough business strategy review of Pearson PLC including education commercialization and its support of high stakes testing and low-fee private schools and to report to shareholders within six months.”
U.S. and British labor unions whose pension funds own stock in Pearson, the world’s largest education company, are challenging what they say is the firm’s “over-reliance” on educational testing in the United States and plan to take up the issue at an April stockholders meeting.
Iron Ore Climbs as Signs of China Property Revival Boost Outlook
2016-03-21T18:14:51.589352-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/iron-ore-climbs-as-signs-of-china-property-revival-boost-outlook-20160321970/
Iron ore extended a gain toward $60 a metric ton as further signs of a recovery in China’s property market, coupled with policy makers’ plans to loosen margin-lending controls in equity trading, helped to improve sentiment.
Ore with 62 percent content in Qingdao rose for a fourth day, increasing 2.3 percent to $58.82 a dry ton, according to Metal Bulletin Ltd. After dropping in January as concern about a global glut persisted, the commodity rallied 19 percent last month. This quarter it’s up 35 percent, with the advance also supported by a weaker dollar and interruptions to supply.
Iron ore has advanced this year, rebounding from three annual losses and surprising forecasters who’d predicted further declines, amid expectations that steel demand in China may rise after policy makers signaled their willingness to support growth. China’s home prices climbed in the most cities since March 2014 after the government loosened curbs, according to data on Friday. The country also said it will also boost lending to brokerages for their margin-trading business, spurring equity-market gains on Monday.
Harold Hamm's Message For OPEC: Above $40, We're Coming Back
2016-03-09T12:30:31.505393-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/harold-hamms-message-for-opec-above-40-were-coming-back-20160309237/
For leading U.S. shale oil producers, $40 is the new $70. Continental Resources Inc, led by billionaire wildcatter Harold Hamm, is prepared to increase capital spending if U.S. crude reaches the low- to mid-$40s range, allowing it to boost 2017 production by more than 10 percent, chief financial official John Hart said last week.
The Rise And Fall Of Commodities Hedge Fund King Willem Kooyker
2016-03-01T17:17:41.273321-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/the-rise-and-fall-of-commodities-hedge-fund-king-willem-kooyker-20160301785/
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world. Thirty miles west of Wall Street, in an anonymous office park set among rolling hills and shady streets, lurks a giant of the commodities world. Behind the bland facade in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, lies the headquarters of Willem Kooyker, one of the most powerful and enigmatic traders in the game. For half a century, Kooyker has quietly ridden the ups and downs of oil, copper, cocoa and more, first in...
ZeaKal Closes $5.3M Series B
2016-02-26T16:30:18.191601-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/zeakal-closes-53m-series-b-20160226584/
iotechnology startup focused on improving agricultural productivity, today announced a $5.3 million Series B financing round.
This $9B Fund Manager Says He's Sticking With Cash
2016-02-24T09:30:11.590757-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/this-9b-fund-manager-says-hes-sticking-with-cash-20160224415/
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world. Well before things went wrong for global stocks last year, one $9 billion fund manager decided it was time to play safer, and nothing he sees now convinces him to change that call. Hamish Douglass, whose Magellan Global Equity Fund beat 99 percent of peers over the past five years, boosted cash to about 14 percent of assets by April to prepare for the “stiff headwind” he expected in share markets....
Asia Pacific To Generate $1B In Real Estate Secondaries
2016-02-23T14:30:13.218243-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/asia-pacific-to-generate-1b-in-real-estate-secondaries-20160223379/
A crop of real estate funds launched in the mid-2000s are set to come to an end over the next two to three years, creating a $1bn (€900m) pipeline of secondary market trading opportunities, Bastian Wolff, head of Asia Pacific property, told IPE Real Estate.
Middleland Capital Joins $5.3M Series B For ZeaKal
2016-02-19T17:00:19.985469-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/middleland-capital-joins-53m-series-b-for-zeakal-20160219254/
ZeaKal, a biotechnology startup focused on improving agricultural productivity, today announced a $5.3 million
ZeaKal Lands $5.3M Series B, Acquires VC-backed Algenetix
2016-02-19T13:00:14.199454-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/zeakal-lands-53m-series-b-acquires-vc-backed-algenetix-20160219237/
The oversubscribed round was led by Finistere Ventures with participation by Middleland Capital and several leading family office investors. With this funding, ZeaKal will expand its PhotoSeed™ product development pipeline and bring its lead soybean product into field trials this May.
Insight Venture Partners To Buy New Zealand Software Firm Diligent
2016-02-17T15:00:10.845407-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/insight-venture-partners-to-buy-new-zealand-software-firm-diligent-20160217119/
Shares in New Zealand software firm Diligent Corp. have soared on news that venture-capital firm Insight Venture Partners has agreed to buy the firm in a deal worth around $624 million.
KKR, The Carlyle Group Among Greencross Stalkers
2016-02-08T11:42:23.491331-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/kkr-the-carlyle-group-among-greencross-stalkers-20160208690/
<p style="line-height: 18.9091px;">There isn't yet a formal auction, but the horses lining up for a crack at vet group and retailer Greencross are laying the groundwork for bids. Street Talk can reveal KKR & Co, which owns a stake in UK-listed Pets At Home, has Citigroup in its corner and more recently drafted in JPMorgan as well. </p>
Here's What Fintech Startups Want From Congress Right Now
2016-02-03T15:00:12.621927-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/heres-what-fintech-startups-want-from-congress-right-now-20160203447/
<span style="line-height: 20.8px;">"I have a real interest in fintech and the development of big data," Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) told a group of fellow Congressmen and fintech startup founders at a roundtable event on Monday.</span>
Private Equity In Developed Markets Outperformed Emerging Market PE Investments In Q2 2015
2016-02-01T18:01:11.711141-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/private-equity-in-developed-markets-outperformed-emerging-market-pe-investments-in-q2-2015-20160201316/
<span style="line-height: 18.9091px;">A stronger euro helped boost second quarter 2015 returns as measured in US dollars in private equity and venture capital funds investing primarily outside the US. Funds focusing on ex US developed markets outperformed those targeting emerging markets -- a result that was the reverse of the outcome for public market equities, according to global institutional investment advisor</span><span style="line-height: 18.9091px;">Cambridge Associates LLC</span><span style="line-height: 18.9091px;">.</span>
Private Equity's Role In The Dick Smith Saga Hardly Serves The Public Interest
2016-01-20T10:36:38.971332-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/private-equitys-role-in-the-dick-smith-saga-hardly-serves-the-public-interest-20160120785/
<span style="line-height: 18.9091px;">No matter which way you look at it, the process of flipping a business in 12 months and making $500 million while putting 3300 jobs on the line doesn’t feel right. It might be legal but that doesn’t always mean it is right. There’s an ethical gulf which deserves community discussion.</span>
Gundlach Called Oil And Junk In 2015. What Will He Predict For 2016?
2016-01-12T15:28:40.569702-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/gundlach-called-oil-and-junk-in-2015-what-will-he-predict-for-2016-20160112444/
<span style="line-height: 20.8px;">The DoubleLine Capital co-founder was mostly right on his calls a year ago: oil prices would fall, junk bonds would live up to their name, China was flashing danger signs and interest rates would go sideways.</span>
Vietnam Needs Production Chain In Agriculture
2016-01-06T17:47:26.822431-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/vietnam-needs-production-chain-in-agriculture-20160106160/
Vietnamese exporters of agricultural products must join global production chains if they are to take advantages of the opportunities of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade pact.
Dick Smith Slams Previous Private Equity Owners 'Absolute Greed'
2016-01-06T11:44:10.515649-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/dick-smith-slams-previous-private-equity-owners-absolute-greed-20160106110/
<p style="line-height: 20.8px;">Dick Smith's founder has slammed the company's previous private equity owners for greed, as thousands of employees wait to hear their fate.</p>
<p style="line-height: 20.8px;">The iconic electrical retailer was yesterday placed in receivership, leaving about 3,300 jobs at risk at 393 stores across the country.</p>
Asia's Wealthiest Investors Advised to Prepare for Dollar Rally's End in 2016
2015-12-29T10:54:59.455088-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/asias-wealthiest-investors-advised-to-prepare-for-dollar-rallys-end-in-2016-bloomberg-business-20151229855/
Money managers for Asia’s wealthiest families say they’ll be looking elsewhere for returns after chasing the U.S. dollar’s gains in the past three years.
UBS Group AG, the world’s largest private bank, is telling clients there’s “little room for further dollar appreciation,” said James Purcell, cross-asset strategist at its wealth management business in Hong Kong. Stephen Diggle, who runs a family office in Singapore called Vulpes Investment Management, said U.S. rate increases aren’t enough “to chase a strong dollar.”
PHD Private Equity Gives Backing To 1st Class Holidays With £2.5m Investment
2015-12-24T14:30:19.222451-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/phd-private-equity-gives-backing-to-1st-class-holidays-with-16325m-investment-20151224736/
Manchester-based business provides tailor-made holidays to destinations in Canada, the US and New Zealand
Macpac Stake Sold To Venture Capital Fund Champ Ventures
2015-12-23T14:00:13.573438-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/macpac-stake-sold-to-venture-capital-fund-champ-ventures-20151223672/
A majority stake in outdoor goods retailer Macpac has been sold to an Australian private equity fund. Champ Ventures, which owns part of sportswear chain Lorna Jane, bought the majority share for an undisclosed sum. Macpac was founded by Bruce McIntyre in 1973 in Christchurch and has 27 stores in New Zealand and 16 in Australia. It was nearly 58 per cent owned by Kathmandu founder Jan Cameron's Alp Sports. The sale to Champ Ventures, which was led by KPMG's mergers and acquisitions team, was expected to be complete at the end of January. KPMG mergers and acquisitions director Nick McKay said the acquisition was a logical...
Australian Start-Ups Lure Silicon Valley Money
2015-12-22T14:21:33.874519-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/australian-start-ups-lure-silicon-valley-money-1-20151222572/
In November 2013, John Locke and Nate Niparko, two members of the investment team at the American venture capital firm Accel Partners, got off a plane here and jumped in a taxi.
PE HUBPHD Private Equity Invests In 1st Class Holidays
2015-12-21T13:30:22.842651-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/pe-hubphd-private-equity-invests-in-1st-class-holidays-20151221493/
PHD Private Equity, the private equity fund focused on investing in “scale up” business opportunities has invested £2.5 million in 1st Class Holidays – the UK’s leading provider of luxury tailor-made holidays to Canada based in Manchester. The £2.5 million investment will accelerate the growth ambitions of the company and will provide an exit for Finance Director and shareholder Henri Treffers. The business will continue to be led by Paul Ainsworth and Sharon Mason, who originally founded the business in 1996. The company, currently with a turnover of £16m, is based at Trafford House in, Manchester, and employs 36 people....
NZ Government Awards 9 New Oil, Gas Exploration Permits
2015-12-17T15:28:27.664174-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/nz-government-awards-9-new-oil-gas-exploration-permits-20151217314/
New Zealand's Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges announces the award of 9 new oil and gas exploration permits as part of the country's latest licensing round, Block Offer 2015.
GE Continues Asset Sales Abroad, This Time In Japan
2015-12-17T09:30:21.392741-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/ge-continues-asset-sales-abroad-this-time-in-japan-20151217258/
General Electric (GE) announced Tuesday it was selling its Japanese leasing business to Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) for $4.8 billion. The deal is seen closing in April. This is the second deal between the two firms. In June SMFG agreed to buy GE's European private equity financing business. Earlier this month, GE sold off its consumer finance business in New Zealand and Australia and signed a memorandum of understanding to potentially
Cotton To Be 'one Of Worst Performing' Ags In 2016
2015-12-16T17:30:30.700879-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/cotton-to-be-one-of-worst-performing-ags-in-2016-20151216250/
ANZ recommends a sell bet on cotton futures, citing the cheapness of synthetic fibres - and the potential for heavy hedge fund selling too
Oil And Gas Exploration Permits Hone In On Taranaki
2015-12-16T11:42:54.068964-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/oil-and-gas-exploration-permits-hone-in-on-taranaki-20151216176/
The Government is being accused of not taking climate change seriously after it approved nine oil and gas exploration permits a week after a landmark conference in Paris.
Tony James: Pushing Aside 401(k)’s for Mandatory Savings Plans
2015-12-15T09:00:16.000094-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/tony-james-pushing-aside-401ks-for-mandatory-savings-plans-20151215051/
Tony James, president of the private equity firm Blackstone, and the labor economist Teresa Ghilarducci, who supports replacing 401(k)’s with a universal, federally managed saving plan.
How Norway’s SWF Plans to Benchmark Real Assets
2015-12-11T11:16:06.709650-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/how-norways-swf-plans-to-benchmark-real-assets-20151211903/
The $846 billion fund has formally requested to double the target size of its real estate portfolio.
Royal Dutch Shell mulling exit from New Zealand after more than 100 years
2015-12-10T13:34:31.900279-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/royal-dutch-shell-mulling-exit-from-new-zealand-after-more-than-100-years-20151210842/
Royal Dutch Shell Plc, which reported its biggest net loss in more than a decade in October and has halted projects in Canada and the Arctic, is reviewing its investments in New Zealand, from gas fields to pipelines.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia : and Goldman Sachs enter equities strategic alliance
2015-12-07T16:00:39.632923-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/commonwealth-bank-of-australia-and-goldman-sachs-enter-equities-strategic-alliance-20151207640/
(4-traders.com) Commonwealth Bank and Goldman Sachs today announce a strategic alliance that will create a preeminent capability in equities by combining leading equity capital markets and investment research expertise with Australia's largest online retail share trading platform.
The Upstream Investment Outlook of European Oil, Gas Firms
2015-11-25T11:41:10.188067-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/the-upstream-investment-outlook-of-european-oil-gas-firms-20151125119/
Rigzone looks at the current state of upstream investment among European oil and gas firms.
Hedge Funds Betting Against Aussie Risk Losses as Swings Subside
2015-11-25T10:09:42.323806-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/hedge-funds-betting-against-aussie-risk-losses-as-swings-subside-20151125103/
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world. Hedge funds may have picked a bad time to add to bets against Australia’s dollar, this month’s best-performing major currency. Commodity Futures Trading Commission data showed large speculators increased positions wagering on Aussie declines by 83 percent in the space of three weeks to a net 66,464 contracts as of Nov. 17. That’s the most since a record short bet on March 10, when bears were caught on the wrong side of...
Largest Private Australian Financial Services Firm, Findex, Restructures To Family Office Model
2015-11-24T10:52:48.079873-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/largest-private-australian-financial-services-firm-findex-restructures-to-family-office-model-20151124009/
"Findex is an evolution of the Financial Index brand; an evolution of the business' past," a company statement said. "It has been carefully crafted to pay respect to the company's heritage, but also represent who the group is today and its vision for the future."
Aussies sue NZ's New Plymouth council over $250m Van Diemen's Land Company bid
2015-11-23T16:59:28.621426-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/aussies-sue-nzs-new-plymouth-council-over-250m-van-diemens-land-company-bid-20151123958/
<span style="line-height: 20.8px;">A consortium of wealthy of Australians and superannuation funds are suing a New Zealand district council, saying they were "dudded" in the sale of a 19,000 hectare dairy farm.</span>
PBOC Will Inject Funds If IPOs Push Money Rates Higher, ANZ Says
2015-11-19T11:00:16.518698-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/pboc-will-inject-funds-if-ipos-push-money-rates-higher-anz-says-20151119710/
The People’s Bank of China will pump funds into the financial system if a resumption of initial public offerings pushes money rates higher, according to Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. “However, we expect the PBOC to inject liquidity via open-market operations to stabilize the market when necessary,” he said. The seven-day repurchase rate, a gauge of interbank funding availability, climbed 24 basis points in the three days through June...
The Bullish Case For Aussie Gold
2015-11-16T11:55:03.322369-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/the-bullish-case-for-aussie-gold-20151116463/
Just yesterday I arrived back in the States after spending two weeks globetrotting and attending international investing conferences, first in New Orleans, then in Lima, Peru.
Meridian Energy Mulling Wind Farm Possibility
2015-11-12T12:32:26.898956-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/meridian-energy-mulling-wind-farm-possibility-20151112313/
Meridian Energy chief executive Mark Binns says a new wind farm is one of the options on the table if the country's biggest electricity generator can't convince Genesis Energy to keep open two ageing gas and coal-fired electricity plants at the Huntly power station.
How China trade deal will really affect Australian agriculture
2015-11-11T17:59:06.179165-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/how-china-trade-deal-will-really-affect-australian-agriculture-20151111300/
Closer scrutiny of the China Australia Free Trade Agreement , but a closer look at the deal shows it is unlikely to move the needle that much in the barometer for the national economy.
China factory output, investment sluggish as old economy slows
2015-11-11T17:56:48.271462-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/china-factory-output-investment-sluggish-as-old-economy-slows-20151111299/
November 11, 2015 1:50 PMBEIJING (BLOOMBERG) - China's industrial production and investment slowed further in October, showing the government's pro-growth measures are yet to revive the nation's old economic engines. Retail sales defied the weakness, rising more than economists forecast.
GE Sells Australia, N.Z. Loans, Leasing to Bain Capital Unit
2015-11-10T16:02:58.936984-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/ge-sells-australia-nz-loans-leasing-to-bain-capital-unit-20151110198/
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world. General Electric Co. has agreed to sell the last of its Australia and New Zealand finance business as part of a global plan to return to its manufacturing roots. GE will sell its commercial lending and leasing portfolio in the two countries to Sankaty Advisors, an affiliate of Bain Capital LLC, it said in a statement Monday. In the past eight months, it has agreed to dispose of three consumer and...
Vector Gas sold to Colonial First State fund for $882 million
2015-11-09T11:11:57.163120-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/vector-gas-sold-to-colonial-first-state-fund-for-882-million-20151109038/
Kiwi infrastructure company Vector has sold its gas pipeline business to Colonial First State Global Asset Management.
Africa: Adverse Weather Pushes Global Food Prices Up By 3.9 Per Cent in October, Says UN Food Agency
2015-11-06T11:04:48.088269-05:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/africa-adverse-weather-pushes-global-food-prices-up-by-39-per-cent-in-october-says-un-food-agency-20151106917/
Weather-driven concerns about sugar and palm oil supplies have led to price increase of major food commodities in October, said Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today.
This NYC Startup Brings In $12M For Giving You Top Notch Financial Advice
2015-10-29T17:10:16.579697-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/this-nyc-startup-brings-in-12m-for-giving-you-top-notch-financial-advice-20151029532/
<span style="line-height: 20.8px; text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, money has the power to greatly affect our wellbeing. Whether it draws you to want more of it, or whether you are anxious about how much you have, there should be a way to alleviate this pain.</span>
Blackstone Partner Peter Rose to Retire as Public Affairs Head
2015-10-26T17:34:18.678035-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/blackstone-partner-peter-rose-to-retire-as-public-affairs-head-20151026334/
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world. Peter Rose, a Blackstone Group LP partner and its global head of public affairs, will retire after nine years at the alternative-asset manager. Rose, 64, will leave New York-based Blackstone at the end of January and become a senior adviser to the firm, Chief Executive Officer Steve Schwarzman and President Tony James wrote Monday in a memo to employees. He’ll be replaced by Christine Anderson. “He has fostered an incredibly wide...
Inventor Creates Drone To Spread Predatory Insects Over Farmland
2015-10-26T15:14:44.186980-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/inventor-creates-drone-to-spread-predatory-insects-over-farmland-20151026278/
A former Queensland strawberry farmer turned inventor uses drones to spread predatory insects over farmland so they can kill pests that would otherwise eat crops.
Out With Cattle, In With Rice At Northern Territory Floodplain Farm
2015-10-26T14:49:24.009258-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/out-with-cattle-in-with-rice-at-northern-territory-floodplain-farm-20151026270/
The successful trial and harvest of rice crops at Mt Keppler Station has raised the hopes this staple commodity could be put on the Top End agenda as a new industry in the north.
Australia, New Zealand Lead Asia Pacific In Attracting Real Estate Investment
2015-10-23T10:56:44.138241-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/australia-new-zealand-lead-asia-pacific-in-attracting-real-estate-investment-20151023210/
Australasian cities are punching above their weight to attract the highest proportion of real estate investment in Asia Pacific, according to JLL’s latest Investment Intensity Index.
New Startups To Bask In $40M Raise Of The Sunshine State
2015-10-21T17:49:56.157809-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-startups-to-bask-in-40m-raise-of-the-sunshine-state-20151021100/
The Queensland government has announced a $40 million co-investment fund aiming to encourage a “startup revolution” in the state.
Virtual Reality Startup 8i Raises $13.5M In Series A Funding
2015-10-15T13:20:05.910871-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/virtual-reality-startup-8i-raises-135m-in-series-a-funding-20151015692/
Virtual reality startup 8i has announced $13.5 million in Series A funding from a group of investors led by RRE Ventures, Founders Fund Science, Horizons Ventures, Samsung Ventures, Dolby Family Ventures, Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments, Sound Ventures, Signia Venture Partners, Inevitable Ventures, Freelands and Advancit Capital.
Dairy Giant Van Diemen's Land Scotches Reports Of Sale To Chinese
2015-10-13T10:48:18.606463-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/dairy-giant-van-diemens-land-scotches-reports-of-sale-to-chinese-20151013456/
A new bidder emerges for Australia's oldest dairy farm, the Van Diemen's Land Company in north-west Tasmania, as the owners deny reports it has been sold to Chinese investors.
AMP Capital Hires Infrastructure Investment Director
2015-10-07T14:21:38.564022-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/amp-capital-hires-infrastructure-investment-director-20151007219/
AMP Capital has appointed an investment director to its infrastructure equity team.
Large New Zealand Retail Portfolio Sells For $255M As Investors Turn To Australasia
2015-09-30T13:13:24.764717-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/large-new-zealand-retail-portfolio-sells-for-255m-as-investors-turn-to-australasia-20150930748/
New Zealand based DNZ Property has purchased a 19-strong retail portfolio for US$255 million (NZ$287 million) in one of the largest transactions of its kind in the country’s history.
New Zealand State Pension Fund Selling Stake In Z Energy For $471M
2015-09-29T12:38:32.072323-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-state-pension-fund-selling-stake-in-z-energy-for-471m-20150929634/
New Zealand's state-run pension fund and utilities investor Infratil Ltd are selling a combined stake of 30 percent of Z Energy Ltd for up to NZ$747 million ($471 million), cashing in on a record run for the petrol retailer.
Fonterra Hikes Milk Price Outlook, As Farm Cuts Erode Glut
2015-09-25T16:56:53.709042-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/fonterra-hikes-milk-price-outlook-as-farm-cuts-erode-glut-20150925550/
Farmers in New Zealand, the top exporter, are to reduce milk output far more than expected, says Fonterra. Still, the market will stay "difficult."
New Zealand Dairy Giant Fonterra Cuts More Jobs
2015-09-21T18:22:23.394482-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-dairy-giant-fonterra-cuts-more-jobs-20150921287/
New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra announced a further 227 job losses on Monday in a bid to remain competitive in "challenging market conditions", as global dairy prices plummet and Chinese demand continues to wane. The latest cuts follow 523 jobs slashed in July and Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings warned there could be more to come at the world's largest dairy processor.
New Zealand Blocks China Farm Sale
2015-09-17T15:50:50.388340-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/new-zealand-blocks-china-farm-sale-20150917129/
New Zealand's government blocks the $56M (£36m) purchase of a local farm by Chinese firm Shanghai Pengxin.
Growth worries weigh on global stocks, but Wall Street up
2015-09-15T12:18:43.631666-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/growth-worries-weigh-on-global-stocks-but-wall-street-up-20150915912/
Global equity markets outside the United States fell on Thursday as concerns about the economies of China and Japan added uncertainty to the world growth picture, but Wall Street rose, due in part to a rebound in oil prices.
CHAMP's Accolade Wines thinks $30m-plus Chilean winery is hot stuff
2015-09-15T12:05:31.095567-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/champs-accolade-wines-thinks-30m-plus-chilean-winery-is-hot-stuff-20150915911/
Accolade Wines, one of Australia's largest wine companies, has acquired a Chilean wine business for between $30 million and $35 million as its owner CHAMP Private Equity presses ahead with expansion plans. The acquisition now means Accolade has a footprint in all the main new world wine regions.
Can private wealth plug the infrastructure fundraising gap?
2015-09-08T14:04:12.120642-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/can-private-wealth-plug-the-infrastructure-fundraising-gap-20150908853/
Just before the 2008 financial crisis, the large London based multi family office Stonehage Fleming decided to rethink where it deployed some of the large pool of capital it was managing for several ...
Australia's New Mega-Dairies, Robot Milk
2015-09-08T13:14:23.532676-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/australias-new-mega-dairies-robot-milk-20150908846/
Industrialised dairy – long established in the United States, Middle East and China – has arrived in Australia, driven by global competition, thirsty export markets, and a spate of corporate and Chinese interest. <br />
Asness Attracts $360 Million as Liquid Alternative Funds Hold Up
2015-09-02T16:51:22.651034-04:00https://www.thetrustedinsight.com/investment-news/asness-attracts-360-million-as-liquid-alternative-funds-hold-up-20150902648/
The $9.12 billion AQR Managed Futures Strategy Fund pulled in an estimated $360 million in net subscriptions last month through Aug. 28 as bets against commodities and currencies paid off.