Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, the American private equity firm, announced the launch of its Asia-Pacific head office in Singapore yesterday.

The team will lead by Ming Lu, member and regional leader of Southeast Asia. 

Co-chairman and co-chief of KKR Henry Kravis said he believes Singapore is at the heart of the growth that is taking place across Southeast Asia. “We will be even more committed to understanding local business environments, the challenges and opportunities [there in], and the specific needs of its entrepreneurs, investors, workers and business leaders,” said Kravis in a statement.

KKR, which has an asset management arm and counts family offices, foundations and high net worth individuals amongst its clients, has invested more than US$1 billion in Asia since 2005.

The private equity firm is specifically attracted to the opportunities arising from increased domestic consumption and the rapid development of financial services in Singapore. The positive population demographics and growing consumer influence have been key to their decision-making.

KKR has a history of investment in Singapore with Avago, MMI and Unisteel, having received in total US$1 billion of investment from the firm.

 Ming Lu, said, “With an ever-increasing number of strong local businesses looking to grow in their own markets as well as to expand internationally, KKR’s partnership approach provides an opportunity for these companies to tap into our global best practices.”