European investors have continued to show their inclination to diversify with their commitments to Baring Private Equity's final closing of its Asian fund at $257m (€262m).

Chris Brotchie, the chief executive of Baring Private Equity Partners, said: "The closing validates our view of the compelling investment opportunities available in Asia. The region possesses some of the world's largest markets and highest growth rates, but has had low levels of private equity investment."