Does anyone have experience with Search Funds in China?
February 10, 2021
by a searcher from INSEAD in Singapore
I was based in China for 13 years and I'm looking to connect with searchfunders who have attempted, or contemplated, acquiring a business in China. Keen to hear about experiences with both raising China focused search funds as well as sourcing deals. Also happy to give my perspective on the market, if someone has any questions.
from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Beijing, China
I'd also be interested to hear from someone with the experience Mariusz is looking for as well. Based on limited knowledge picked up while living in China over the past 4 years, I would assume that search funding targeting "boring" B2B industries is viable to the extent that the Chinese government at different levels allows for competition private competition with SOEs. Deal sourcing in these industries would also be very difficult for a non-Chinese person without strong existing industry knowledge or connections.
Home services are totally different from in the United States, given that people in Chinese tier 1 cities mostly live in gated complexes and apartment towers with dedicated property managers.
I do know of examples of non-Chinese operators who have acquired businesses in the F&B and fitness industries in Beijing/Shanghai with good results, so consumer facing businesses at least are possible.
from University of Mississippi in Chattanooga, TN, USA