Known for its mega-funds with more than US$10 billion in raised equity, The Blackstone Group is becoming a more active player in the Asia Pacific region, further signalling the draw of the region to investors seeking yield.

Recently, the firm invested US$128 million in a high-end residential-led development project in Ningbo, China. With the capital, Blackstone acquired a 49 percent stake in the project from listed Hong Kong property company Franshion Properties. A Franshion subsidiary, Enhanced Experience, will continue to hold a 51 percent stake and act as the developer of the property.

Blackstone entered the region in 2007. Currently, the firm is fundraising for its Blackstone Real Estate Partners Asia fund, the firm’s first fund that focuses exclusively on Asia. The opportunistic fund launched in January 2013 with a US$4 billion fund