MUMBAI: Private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) investments stood at $1.6 billion across 50 deals in August, with buyout deals recording two times increase in value compared to the year-ago period, says a report. According to EY's private equity monthly deal tracker report, August 2018 recorded $830 million across 18 exits with two $200 million plus deals. “PE/VC activity continued its strong run with $1.6 billion investments received in August 2018.

Till August end, the sentiment towards India remained strong, with funds further adding to their dry powder, as evidenced by $2 billion raised during the month, adding to the already high levels of dry powder of close to $40 billion available for investment into the country,” EY's partner and national leader (private equity services), Vivek Soni, said. During the reporting month, four deals were recorded of value greater than $100 million, accounting for 72 per cent of total investments against $4.7 billion recorded across six deals in August 2017. KKR's $530 million buyout of 60 per cent stake in Ramky Enviro Engineers was the largest deal in August 2018. From a sector point of view, power and utilities led with $532 million investments across two deals followed by real estate with $360 million invested across two deals. Financial services, which has been one of the top sectors over the previous months, recorded just $42 million in investments across six deals. In terms of number of deals, technology with seven deals was the leader, the report said. Year-to-date, PE/VC investments till August 2018 have crossed $18.7 billion, 9 per cent higher compared to the same period last year. During August 2018, 18 exits totalling $830 million were seen, which is double the value compared to July 2018.