PE investments in 2018 hit record $222 billion as high-tech, fintech shine

China's private equity investments hit a new high last year of $221.8 billion, up 22 percent year-on-year.

Marginally ahead of the previous peak in 2016, the new record reflects the large supply of available capital meeting substantial demand for funding in the private sector, bolstered by several hot tech and fintech megadeals, according to PwC, a firm that provides professional services including audit and assurance, tax and consulting in the.

"Unlike industrial investors that are likely to raise the alarm about possible industrial integration and technology transfers, PE funds are better positioned to seal outbound M&A deals, thanks to their identity and business model," said Leon Qian, who leads PwC's clients and markets practice in northern China.