Yvette Choo

Launched in the beginning of 2008, the Standard Chartered IL&FS Asia Infrastructure Growth Fund is seeking a $1bn final close later this year.

In doing so the State Bank of India will join a long list of other private equity firms such as 3i which have been busy setting up large infrastructure funds in the country.

Honson To will continue as head of KPMG China’s private equity operations, alongside his new, wider regional role.

Alex Edwards will spearhead the placement agent’s development in South Asia, New Zealand and his home country of Australia.

Leigh Clifford will advise the global buyout firm’s operations in Australia. His 37 years in the mining sector is expected to benefit the firm’s two Australian investments, especially mining company BIS industries.

Hong Kong-listed GOME has suspended trading of its shares after chairman Wong Kwong Yu was reportedly detained on allegations of stock price manipulation.

The target, OrasInvest, is a provider of mobile communication infrastructure services such as tower site acquisition, construction and maintenance.

The buyout firm's latest hires include former Coke executive Ludo Bammens as director of European corporate affairs. Meanwhile, Sanjay Nayar, ex-CEO of Citi's Asian operations, will be based in the firm's Mumbai office, which is opening in January.

The Chinese private equity firm was set up last year by former senior executives at Singapore's Temasek, which is an anchor investor in the fund.

Mubadala, GE and Credit Suisse are reportedly raising $500m to invest in sectors including power, water, telecoms and transportation.