Few takers at Asia's great firesale

Article Abstract:

Many foreign business people are in Thailand to try to buy up companies in financial difficulties, such as Korea Inc. However, not many deals have been made because of legal complications and resistance to selling to foreigners. Many companies refuse to accept the severity of their economic problems and do not accept offers of financial help. The Thai government is also reluctant to encourage foreign companies to take over businesses. It would prefer them to buy shares which the Thais could buy back later. One deal which has gone through is between the Bank of Asia and ABN-Amro.

Banking Institutions, Depository Credit Intermediation, Mergers & Acquisitions, DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS, Banks (Finance), Thailand, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Bank of Asia Ltd., Korea Inc

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Brave new bank

Article Abstract:

The merger between Japan's Bank of Tokyo and Mitsubishi Bank will create the world's largest bank with assets of $726.8 billion. The banking industry has seen a number of mega-mergers completed as part of an effort to cut costs and improve economies of scale. This element is missing from the Bank of Tokyo and Mitsubishi Bank merger. The new merged bank announced that it will not close branches or institute layoffs, prompting some industry observers to question whether bigger will be better in this case.

Commercial Banks, Commercial Banking, Mitsubishi Bank Ltd., Bank of Tokyo Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), MBK

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Midas mistimes

Article Abstract:

The Indonesian Lippo Group plans to sell 40% of its holdings in the Hong Kong Chinese Bank. However, the price-earnings ratio fell from 13 in May, when it first made known its plan to sell the bank, to 11 a few months later. The lower price-earnings ratio indicates a lack of bullishness in the market. Selling part of its holdings in the Hong Kong Chinese Bank will infuse much-needed cash into the Lippo Group. The cash is expected to finance the Group's expansion plans.

Finance, Indonesia, Corporations, Corporations, Indonesian, Lippo Group, Hong Kong Chinese Bank Ltd.

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