Private equity investments double to $1.3 billion in Feb

NEW DELHI: Private equity investments witnessed a twofold jump in February with transactions worth $1.3 billion taking the deal tally for the first two months of this year to $2.3 billion, says a report.

According to assurance, tax and advisory firm Grant Thornton, in February, there were 62 PE deals worth $1,330 million, while in the corresponding period last year there were 45 such transactions worth $588 million.

Investments in start-ups dominated the February deal tally, as this sector contributed 47 per cent of total investment volumes garnering $278 million.

Besides, fintech and discovery platforms attracted significant attention from investors with 5 deals each followed by health tech space with four investments.

The top deal in February was Bigbasket raising $300 million in its Series E round. Another major funding in food delivery space was Swiggy's $100 million fund raise.

India Grid Trust's (Indigrid) acquisition of three transmission assets from its sponsor Sterlite Power Grid Ventures for a consideration of Rs 1,410 crore was the other major deal of the month.

Meanwhile, PE investments in January-february witnessed a sturdy 67 per cent year-onyear growth to $2,313 million on account of increased big ticket investments rounds.