KSK Emerging India Energy Fund, which will make investments in Indian power and energy companies, plans to raise up to 101 million pounds through its listing on the Alternative Investment Market next week. The newly incorporated firm in Guernsey, Channel Islands plans to list its shares on AIM, which is part of the London Stock Exchange, on June 9. It would seek registration in Guernsey as a closed ended investment entity. The objective of the company is to generate long-term capital growth for its shareholders through diversified exposure to an actively managed portfolio of investments into companies engaged in the Indian power and energy sector value chain. The company would target predominantly unlisted companies with strong growth prospects and experienced management teams that require capital for growth, KSK Emerging India Energy Fund said in a regulatory filing, which is mandatory prior to the listing. It would mainly target investment in growth capital companies such as those engaged in manufacture of equipment, providers of engineering, design and construction services.   more »

The lure of infrastructure finance opportunities is prompting more players to set up dedicated funds. The Kotak Mahindra Group is now looking at launching a $1-billion infrastructure fund, for which it could tie up with a global player. It is also looking at options of setting up a hedge fund type structure from one of its overseas arms to invest in India. The group had last year moved its private equity and real estate funds under Kotak Investment Advisors (KIAL). This alternate assets division already has assets under management of nearly $1.6 billion, which would increase to around $2.5-3 billion in a year’s time if the infrastructure fund gets launched. It is also in the process of raising funds from overseas markets for its private equity and real estate funds. KIAL, which came into effect from October 1, 2007, had posted a net profit of Rs 13.5 crore for the year ended March 2008.   more »