The Carlyle Group, a leading private equity firm with over $17.5 billion under management, has announced that it has set aside nearly $350 million for specific investments in Asia.

The tier I and tier II Carlye Asia Venture Partners offers $159 million and $170 million, respectively.

Announcing the nature of deals being pursued by the equity firm, Tony Jansz, managing director, The Carlyle Group, said, "Asia has emerged as the major outsourcing hub. The consumption levels for products, especially in the wireless and telecom space is much higher. While it remains to be seen as to where we would put our money, it is clear that that we will also provide value addition to these companies by leveraging on our existing clientele."

Jansz said that Carlyle is in talks with three companies, which have a unique business proposition but declined to comment on their area of operation.

Of the total sum that has been set aside for investments in Asia, Carlye has said that China and India would attract nearly 30-35 per cent each, while South Korea is expected to be the other key region for investments.

"We are also in talks with companies in which we have already invested in India. They are likely to go in for a second round funding. We are likely to invest about $30-40 million in these companies within the next 9 months," Jansz added. It may be noted that The Carlyle Group has invested in six active companies in India.

QuEST, a Bangalore-based CAD/CAM company for well-known aerospace, automobile and turbo space majors of the world seems to be the key contender for additional investments from The Carlyle Group.

The Carlyle Group has identified India, China and South Korea based on the significant leads that these nations have gained in the respective areas of outsourcing, components and manufacturing.

Carlyle has over 500 employees, including 279 investment professionals, in 12 countries. It has committed $17.5 billion in capital, which translates to 23 funds.

Of this, about $10.4 billion of equity has been invested in over 306 transactions. Carlyle boasts of 2.8 times equity returned on realised corporate investments.