People

KKR Japan managing director resigns

Naohiko Kitsuta has left the firm after less than two years.

2009 is a year to ‘hang on and stay alive’

Real estate executives predict more pain for the next 12 months, with fewer people believing the debt markets will improve significantly over the coming year.

3i infrastructure head to become firm's CEO

Michael Queen will steer the private equity firm following Philip Yea's resignation from the top spot. Last year, 3i invested a total of £841m, down dramatically from the £1.8bn the prior year. 3i's share price has plummeted in recent months, this morning losing nearly 4%, giving it a £941m market capitalisation.

Yea resigns from beleaguered 3i

3i veteran Michael Queen will now steer the firm, whose top 50 investments lost £682m in the past nine months. Last year, 3i invested a total of £841m, down dramatically from the £1.8bn the prior year. 3i's share price has plummeted in recent months, this morning losing nearly 4%, giving it a £941m market capitalisation.

Survey: 62% of GPs anticipate portfolio company restructuring this year

A survey of 30 European private equity professionals reveals that more than half of respondents expect to restructure one or more of their portfolio companies in the next 12 months.

East Capital holds live Q&A session online

The Eastern European-focused alternative asset manager gave its first live online question and answer session, with senior investment executives making predictions for 2009. Last week Apax for the first time used an online video to communicate with investors.

AIG seeks sale of property fund management arm

AIG Global Real Estate, the property investor and fund management arm of global insurance and financial services company AIG, is planning the sale of its fund management business. Financial details were not disclosed.

Black: Apollo's debt bets were ‘a little early’

Apollo founder Leon Black has expressed confidence in the more than $15bn in senior loans owned by his firm, saying the risk/reward profile of the investments remained highly attractive despite margin call headaches. Apollo closed its seventh buyout fund on $14.8bn in December.

Notes from the frontline – Jerome Booth, Ashmore Investment Management

Emerging markets are best placed to weather a global financial downturn, writes Jerome Booth.

Softbank invests in Singaporean marketing company

The investment in Digital Marketing Solutions follows an initial round of funding by IDG Ventures Vietnam and will help the company enhance its mobile and online advertising services.