The private equity arm of the Lloyds Banking Group, LDC, recently opened an office in Hong Kong to build its presence in the Asian market. Craig Wilkinson, previously an investment director at LDC Leeds, has been appointed as managing director of LDC Hong Kong.
The new operation has been established to build Asian contacts and capabilities in the region that can be used to expand and develop the LDC’s existing UK portfolio companies, the firm said. The division also plans to develop a direct investment capability in Asia.
“I am delighted that Craig has agreed to take on the role of managing director of our new Hong Kong office,” says Darryl Eales, chief executive of LDC. “Craig has a proven track record in the UK private equity market and will have the full support of the business behind him as he begins the task of building our team for the Asian market.”
Wilkinson will be joined in Hong Kong by Naveen Khugputh, currently an investment manager in LDC’s London office.
In July last year, LDC exited its investment in UK-based corporate travel agent ATP International Group through a 73.5 million secondary sale to Barclays Private Equity.
D.C.