Carlyle 'optimistic' over restructuring of SOEs

Investments in China by leading global private equity firm The Carlyle Group hit a record high in 2013, and the restructuring of State-owned enterprises will be a focus for years to come, according to senior executives of the company.

"While some businesses are growing less optimistic in China because of the slowing growth of the economy, Carlyle Group is as optimistic about China as we have ever been," said Carlyle Managing Director David Marchick. "As proof of our confidence, we invested more than $1.1 billion in China in 2013, more than any year in our history."

Carlyle has invested in about 80 Chinese transactions totaling $5.2 billion since 1998. It now has more than 20 active investments in China, mostly in small and medium-sized enterprises.