Private equity firm, Advent International, has opened an office in China, following in the footsteps of other big private equity firms The Carlyle Group CVC and Bain Capital.

The Boston-based private equity firm said it decided to open an office in Shanghai to take advantage of investment opportunities in the country.

While the firm does not have direct investments in China, some of the companies it backs have operations in the county. The Shanghai office will provide local support to the Advent-backed companies if they want to expand in China.

The firm is also looking at investments in Chinese companies, particularly those related to chemical, healthcare, retail, consumer and leisure sectors.

According to Advent's principal and co-head of Greater China Andrew Li, there are many investment prospects in China where they can apply international experience.

The Advent Shanghai team will be led by Li and Filippo de Vecchi.