PE, VC investments set to be robust in '10: Experts

Private equity and venture capital (VC) investments, which usually help shape new business ideas, are likely to witness significantly higher levels of deal closures, both in terms of deal value and volume, from early this year on, according to experts.

Battered by the global financial crisis, venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) investments dipped in the country last year, but with improving liquidity conditions, these investments are expected see a major jump during the course of this year.

According to the global consultancy firm Grant Thornton, PE and qualified institutional placement deals till December 13, 2009 amounted to $11.17 billion in the country.

"The worst seems to be over for PE investors and clearly there is renewed PE interest in investing in the country, specifically in sectors like education, healthcare, logistics and realty. As a result PE action in 2010 is expected to pick up significantly," PricewaterhouseCoopers Executive Director and Partner Transactions Group Sanjeev Krishan said.

Ernst & Young Partner and National Director (Industrial & Consumer Products) Pankaj Dhandaria said: "PE investments are on the rise again as is evident from the deal activity, which has picked up speed in the past couple of months. India, which is on a growth trajectory and with its ability to generate relatively superior returns, will attract even higher degree of capital, including PE funds, in the years to come."