Shaw Kwei appoints executive director

Shaw Kwei & Partners, a private equity firm focused on Asian middle-market companies, has appointed Brian Lau as executive director, according to a statement.

Lau was previously a partner at boutique investment bank and advisory firm Prometheus, where he specialised in cross-border advisory and investment collaboration.

Before his time in investment banking, Lau spent 19 years in executive roles at electronics manufacturer Celestica and global semiconductor company Texas Instruments. He also worked in policy development and implementation at the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

Shaw Kwei has offices in Hong Kong and Singapore. It specialises in investing in middle market manufacturing and service companies in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore, acquiring significant ownership stakes. Typical investments range from $20 million to $100 million, according to PEI Research & Analytics.

In 2014, the firm invested $40 million in German semiconductor manufacturer SCHMID Group through a convertible bond, as reported by Private Equity International.

In the same year, Shaw Kwei invested $17 million in marine logistics firm Amos International Holdings, taking a 60 percent ownership stake. Capital for both investments came from Asia Value Investment Fund III, a 2010-vintage vehicle with about $450 million of commitments.

In 2012, Shaw Kwei completed two take-privates comprised of Beyonics Technology for $100 million, and China-based CHT, one of the largest global PVC adhesive tape manufacturers for $49 million. Both companies delisted from the Singapore stock exchange.