Baird Private Equity partners Tholons in Bangalore

Baird Private Equity has partnered Tholons in Bangalore to provide its portfolio companies in the US and Europe expand into India on-the-ground support and expertise.

Tholons, an advisory and management consulting firm which also has offices in Washington D.C., London and Manila, will appoint a senior advisor to work exclusively with Baird’s portfolio companies, especially those in the business services sector, according to a statement.

The India partnership will complement Baird’s existing operations in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, where a 20-strong team help Baird portfolio companies “establish operations in China to manufacture, distribute products, locate and qualify component suppliers, and evaluate potential acquisition candidates.”

Baird does not plan, for now, to invest in India-based companies. Partnering Tholons is aimed at augmenting the operations of existing portfolio companies that can benefit from Indian strategies, the firm clarifies in the statement.

Bill Flip, partner at Baird Venture Partners said: “For small and medium-sized US and European companies to be successful in Asia, the local relationships and networks that support their efforts are critical.”

Baird Private Equity has raised and managed over $1.8 billion in capital, and has more than 40 investment professionals in the US and Europe. In Asia, it employs over 20 operating professionals across Greater China.