2014.2
Top Japan banks to benefit from domestic loan growth spurt
Japan’s biggest banks, flush with cash from a year-long stock market rally, are poised to benefit this year from a spurt in loan growth at home fuelled by the economic stimulus measures of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Sumitomo Corp takes full ownership of Emerald Grain
Japanese Sumitomo Corp has acquired full ownership of Emerald Grain, the Australian bulk grain handler said on Thursday, the latest foray by a foreign entity into the Australian agricultural sector.
NA Deals: Thermo Fisher buys Life Technologies
Davis Polk, Latham, Wilson Sonsini lead on Shanda Games’ $1.9 billion take-private transaction, Cleary Gottlieb and Weil Gotshal star in China’s largest ever tech deal, five firms help Redco Properties list on the HKEx, and much more in this week’s North Asia deals roundup.
Panasonic ‘to sell SE Asia chip assembly plants’
Panasonic Corp said on Tuesday it would sell chip assembly plants in Southeast Asia to a unit of Singapore’s UTAC Holdings Ltd as it moves into the final stages of a sweeping restructuring to unload unprofitable operations.
Godrej to raise stake in Darling Group
Indian personal care products maker Godrej Consumer Products Ltd said it will increase its stake in African haircare firm Darling Group that will give it control of the latter’s Nigerian business.
Sony ‘in talks to sell PC business’
Sony Corp is in talks to sell its poorly performing personal computer business to investment fund Japan Industrial Partners for up to 50 billion yen ($490 million), the Nikkei Daily reported.
SG: Hogan Lovells lands HSF SEA disputes head
Hogan Lovells has hired partner Maurice Burke as the head of its litigation and arbitration practice in Southeast Asia from Herbert Smith Freehills.
Norton Rose adds insurance partner in HK
Norton Rose Fulbright has hired insurance litigation specialist Declan McDaid as a partner in its Hong Kong office.
Al Salam Bank, BMI Bank complete merger
Bahraini lenders Al Salam Bank and BMI Bank have completed their merger agreement, a statement from Al Salam said on Monday, the latest tie-up between banks in the kingdom.
ENRC could sell DRC mines to repay debt
Kazakh miner ENRC is considering selling all its international assets, including its coveted copper operations in Congo, as its founders come under increasing pressure to repay a big loan they took on to privatize the company, industry and banking sour…