Carlyle Group raised JPY430bn (about USD2.8bn) for its fifth Japan buyout fund, the largest ever for Japan. This fund is 70% bigger than the previous one raised in 2021. Carlyle Japan plans to add nine investment professionals this year, anticipating increased deal flow, and has filled about half the positions. The Washington D.C.-based asset manager will target private equity opportunities in Japan’s technology, consumer, health care, and general industries sectors. Carlyle has operated in Japan since 2000, making over 40 investments. This week, it announced plans to take KFC Holdings Japan private with a JPY95bn tender offer.