PE investment rises over 3-fold in Jan-April

Investment by private equity (PE) companies rose over three-fold during January-April this year as compared to the same period last year. The comparative figures are $3,044 million (Rs 14,521 crore) and $837 million (Rs 3,993 crore). These investments were driven by energy and healthcare services sectors. The number of deals rose from 73 to 92, shows data compiled by Venture Intelligence.

"While the appetite for investments has improved across industries, the economic recovery has boosted investments in industries like energy and healthcare & life sciences," said Arun Natarajan, chief executive officer of Venture Intelligence.

According to the Chennai-based research company, energy attracted investments worth $823.4 million (Rs 3,927.7 crore), as against $87.4 million (Rs 416.8 crore) a year earlier. Some major ones included $425 million by a consortium in Asian Genco in March, a $200-million investment by Temasek in GMR Energy in April and $115 million by TPG Growth and others in the Greenko Group.

The healthcare and life sciences sector attracted $247.3 million, compared to $37.8 million a year earlier. Some major investments in the sector are New Silk Route's investment of $55 million in Nectar Lifesciences in February and a $50 million investment by AIF Capital in Famy Care.

The information technology and IT-enabled services industries got $322.8 million, compared to $141.4 million a year earlier. Banking, financial services and insurance got $457.5 million, compared to $76.8 million.