U.S. private equity firm KKR & Co. LP plans to focus on larger and moreprofitable buyouts in China instead of setting up a new fund targeting the country'ssmall and medium-sized companies, Reuters reported Oct. 4, "citing peoplefamiliar with the plans."

The plan highlights a trend in Asia where global privateequity firms are avoiding small investments of up to $100 million.

The move comes as economic growth slows in China and thestate of indebtedness and lack of transparency has attracted greater scrutiny.

KKR declined to comment on the matter.

In 2015, the firm had said it would not raise a successorfund, without giving further details, the news outlet reported.

Meanwhile, KKR is expected to launch its third pan-Asia fundby the end of 2016, targeting a record US$7 billion after it launched ChinaGrowth Fund and Asian Fund II.