PE Firm · Capital Allocator

Hony Capital

Medium
Beijing, China · Founded 2003 · AUM US$13 Billion · Website
BuyoutGrowth EquityCross-border InvestmentState-owned Enterprise RestructuringPharmaceuticalsHealthcareConsumer and CateringCulture and MediaEnvironmental ProtectionNew EnergyManufacturingChinaUnited StatesUnited KingdomAustraliaIndia
Last verified
8/18/2026

Firm Overview

0
Portfolio tracked
7
Sectors
5
Regions
8/18/2026
Last verified

Hony Capital is a leading Chinese private equity firm and a subsidiary of Legend Holdings, known for being a pioneer in China's private equity industry.

Hony Capital was founded in 2003 as a subsidiary of Legend Holdings, which provided its initial start-up capital. As a pioneer in the Chinese private equity sector, the firm has grown to manage approximately US$13 billion in assets and has invested in over 100 companies both within China and internationally. In 2012, it achieved the milestone of becoming the first private equity company registered in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone.

The firm focuses on creating value by assisting Chinese companies in their growth and helping international consumer brands expand their presence into the Chinese market. To facilitate systematic investment in specific industries, Hony Capital established specialized platforms such as Hospital Corporation of China and Best Food Holding Company Limited. Its investor base is global, including major North American pension funds, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Goldman Sachs.

Hony Capital is particularly active in cross-border transactions and state-owned enterprise restructuring. Notable historical activities include the acquisition of the British chain PizzaExpress for US$1.54 billion and a significant partnership with TPG Capital to launch the Hollywood studio STX Entertainment. The firm also maintains a significant presence in the energy and pharmaceutical sectors through large-scale equity investments and divestments in companies like CSPC Pharmaceutical and Santos Limited.

Founded2003
HeadquartersBeijing, China
AUMUS$13 Billion
Target investment$10M-$80M (film budgets), $1.54B (PizzaExpress acquisition)
StrategiesBuyout, Growth Equity, Cross-border Investment, State-owned Enterprise Restructuring
Sector focusPharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Consumer and Catering, Culture and Media, Environmental Protection, New Energy, Manufacturing
Geographic focusChina, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, India

Leadership

John Zhao
Founder and CEO
John Zhao is the founder and CEO of Hony Capital and also serves as Executive Vice President of Legend Holdings.

Notable Investments

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group (CSPC)ZoomlionPizzaExpressSTX EntertainmentWeWorkShanghai Jin Jiang InternationalSantos LimitedShanghai City Investment HoldingsENNHospital Corporation of ChinaBest Food Holding Company Limited

Historical and current deals referenced in public sources.

Portfolio Companies

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Sources

This profile is based on publicly available information and may be incomplete or outdated. PE Firm Index is not affiliated with Hony Capital and does not provide investment advice.

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