Asia Pacific Business News | Bangkok Property, Tours and Expatriate Services - Part 6

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Chinese investors scramble for a bite of Apple (Reuters)

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

SHANGHAI, Apr. 24, 2012 (Reuters) -- China's rigid capital rules ban its citizens from investing directly in Apple Inc but that's not keeping them from seeking a piece of the iPhone maker's success by buying shares in its suppliers - and even companies rumored to be suppliers. ... > read full story

Weaker Australian inflation sets scene for rate cut

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

SYDNEY: Australia's inflation rose a weaker-than-expected 0.1 percent in the March quarter, fuelling speculation the central bank will cut interest rates next week.

Analysis: Dow’s new corn: "time bomb" or farmers’ dream? (Reuters)

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

, Apr. 24, 2012 (Reuters) -- A new biotech corn developed by Dow AgroSciences could answer the prayers of U.S. farmers plagued by a fierce epidemic of super-weeds. Or it could trigger a flood of dangerous chemicals that may make weeds even more resistant and damage other important U.S. crops. ... > read full story

Asian markets mixed, European fears drag sentiment

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

HONG KONG: Asian markets were mixed on Tuesday as bargain hunting after the previous day's big losses was countered by nervousness about the political and economic situation in Europe.

Oil up as concerns over slowing China growth ease

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

SINGAPORE: Oil prices edged higher in Asian trade Tuesday on easing concerns about a sharp economic slowdown in China, the world's biggest energy user, analysts said.

Oil down in Asia on Europe fears

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

SINGAPORE: Oil prices slipped in Asian trade Tuesday with markets weighed by economic and political uncertainty in Europe and a weaker euro, analysts said.

George Rathmann, Chief of Amgen, Dies at 84

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Dr. Rathmann oversaw Amgen as it developed what would become two of the most successful drugs in history and became the world’s largest biotechnology company.

Toshiba scraps joint bid plan for Elpida: sources (Reuters)

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

TOKYO, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Toshiba Corp <6502.T> has decided not to join in the second round of bidding for bankrupt chip maker Elpida, after talks stalled on a joint bid with potential partners, including South Korea's SK hynix <000660.KS>, industry sources said on Tuesday. ... > read full story

Testimony shows MF Global trustee to seek civil fines (Reuters)

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- The trustee for failed commodities brokerage MF Global Inc plans to tell a Congressional committee on Tuesday he supports civil fines for executives when their commodities brokerages lose customer money, even without proof they knowingly broke rules. ... > read full story

Media Decoder: Netflix Added 3 Million Online Subscribers in Quarter, but Expects Slower Growth

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The company's executives predicted a push toward profitability in the next quarter, but in after-hours trading, the focus was on the slower subscription growth.

Nestle may sell part of Pfizer assets: report (Reuters)

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Swiss food group Nestle SA may sell about 10 to 15 percent of the $11.9 billion baby food business it is buying from Pfizer Inc to address antitrust concerns, Bloomberg News reported on Monday. ... > read full story

American Car Parts Makers Gain In Russia

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Exports of U.S. automotive components like leaf springs and lead-acid batteries rose 98 percent last year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

China’s takes rear guard action to protect banks against NPLs

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Regulators’ move to raise Chinese banks’ loan reserve ratios shows that it’s best to be prepared, say analysts.

BoJ could buy longer term JGBs

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Japan’s central bank is likely to extend the maturity limit of the Japanese Government Bonds it can purchase at its policy meeting on April 27, say market experts.

Europe is fuelling offshore renminbi payments: Swift

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The second largest contributor to global renminbi payments after Hong Kong is Europe, says the financial messaging service provider.

Local Currency DCM Bookrunner Ranking (Asia ex Japan): 23-04-12 YTD

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Opinion: Japanese banks’ Thai venture is sign of things to come

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The US$90 million loan agreement between 12 Japanese lenders and Kasikornbank demonstrates the growing Asian ambitions of the former. Such a tie-up makes a lot of sense.

China to achieve capital account liberalisation by 2015: Barclays

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The country should achieve liberalisation of its capital account by 2015 after the latest measures to restrict movement of the renminbi, predicts Barclays.

Singaporean banks’ LT2 bonds to outperform on fundamentals: Nomura

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The subordinated debt of financial institutions from the lion city is expected to outperform on the back of solid capital structure and limited supply of Lower Tier II notes in the short term, says the bank.

Indian corporates to continue tapping dim sum

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The offshore renminbi bond market will continue to attract Indian corporates which are keen to diversify their sources of funding and explore a wider investor base, say analysts.

Indonesian FIs to follow Eximbank into USD bonds

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

A successful issue from the export financing agency will see other banks in the country looking to tap US dollar markets as investor interest in Indonesian paper continues unabated.

Beijing raises loan reserve ratio in sign of NPL fears

April 24, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Regulators’ move to raise Chinese banks’ loan reserve ratios indicates it wants local banks to be ready for an uptick in bad debts, say analysts.

News Analysis: A Europe Tired of Cutbacks Has Few Alternatives

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Budget-cutting pain is fueling support for far-left and nationalist parties, but many European leaders simply cannot afford to spend more.

Euro slips on poor data, French polls

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK: The dollar gained against the euro Monday on a rise in political worries in Europe and some poor economic data.

Oil prices dip on mounting demand fears

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK: US oil prices slipped slightly on Monday as downbeat Chinese data and ongoing eurozone uncertainty cast doubt on the strength of global energy demand.

Microsoft infringes MMI patents: U.S. trade judge (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

WASHINGTON, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Microsoft infringed Motorola Mobility's patents in making its popular Xbox gaming consoles, a judge for the International Trade Commission ruled on Monday. ... > read full story

AMR union to vote next week on proposal: sources (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- The union representing seven work groups at bankrupt American Airlines will vote starting next week on the carrier's best and final contract offer, with results expected before unions testify in a hearing on the airline's request to void their contract, three sources said on Monday. ... > read full story

Bits: Under Scrutiny, Google Spends Record Amount on Lobbying

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Google spent $5.03 million on lobbying between January and March of this year, a record for the company, and a 240 percent increase from the same quarter a year ago, according to disclosures filed Friday.

Analysis: Stronger earnings prove pessimists wrong (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Wall Street may have written off corporate America too quickly. ... > read full story

Boeing leads Airbus in race for United order: sources (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Boeing Co <BA.N> has pulled ahead of Airbus <EAD.PA> in a race to win an aircraft order potentially worth more than $15 billion at list value with United Continental Holdings <UAL.N>, but intense negotiations lie ahead to close a deal that Airbus is unlikely to abandon without a fight, industry sources said. ... > read full story

US stocks mired in red on Europe fears

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK: US stocks closed lower but off earlier steep losses Monday as Wall Street focused on European political and economic uncertainty and some US earnings results missed expectations.

Options market sees big earnings move for Apple (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- The wild ride in Apple shares this year could get even more interesting when the company reports quarterly results after the bell on Tuesday. ... > read full story

Facebook profit slips ahead of stock market debut

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook reported Monday that its quarterly profit slipped to $205 million despite a surge in revenue as it bumped up research and promotion expenses ahead of its stock market debut.

Memo to Citi Directors: Wake Up on Pay

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The rejection of Citigroup's compensation plan at last week's annual investor meeting is a shot across Wall Street's bows on the issue its workers most care about: pay. Francesco Guerrera has details on The News Hub. Photo: Reuters.

Stocks End Lower in Global Selloff

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Major U.S. stock indexes fell more than 1%, following European markets lower as increasing political uncertainty in France and the Netherlands unnerved investors. Chris Dieterich has details on The News Hub. Photo: Reuters.

Facebook Revenue Jumps as Profit Slips

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Facebook's first quarter continued the social network's rapid revenue growth pattern. Profit, however, slipped as the company's soaring revenue came with soaring costs. David Benoit has details on The News Hub. Photo: Kimihiro Hoshino/AFP/Getty Images.

Wall Street Gets Lean

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Several major U.S. banks are planning to trim investment-banking units that were built for an era of deals aplenty. Anupreeta Das has details on The News Hub. Photo: Bloomberg.

Citi, Goldman, Credit Suisse prep joint Maiden Lane III bid (Reuters/IFR)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK, April 23, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters/IFR) -- Citigroup, Goldman and Credit Suisse plan to make a combined bid to purchase the assets of Maiden Lane III, a portion of the risky assets the Federal Reserve acquired when bailing out insurance giant American International Group <AIG.N> in 2008, according to people familiar with the plan. ... > read full story

Facebook quarterly revenue tops $1 billion: filing (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

SAN FRANCISCO, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Facebook Inc generated more than $1 billion in revenue during the first quarter, according to an updated filing for the social network's initial public offering. ... > read full story

Deal Professor: Weighing the Legal Ramifications of the Wal-Mart Bribery Case

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Indications that Wal-Mart Stores may have taken steps to keep an investigation from digging into questionable payments may affect how the government proceeds against the giant retailer.

U.S. lawmakers launch Wal-Mart bribery investigation (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

WASHINGTON, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Two Democratic lawmakers on Monday said they are launching an investigation into allegations of bribery at Wal-Mart Stores Inc's Mexican affiliate. ... > read full story

Don’t Look Now, Wall Street Has Its Swagger Back

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Markets aren't sure of which direction to pick and Europe still finds itself on unstable ground. Does anyone really think Wall Street is getting its swagger back? MarkerWatch columnist David Weidner thinks so and makes his case on Mean Street to Evan Newmark. Photo: Bloomberg News.

In Detroit, Go Small Or Go Home?

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

WSJ's Justin Lahart makes a stop on Mean Street to highlight Detroit's efforts to compete profitably in the compact car market amid changing consumer preferences and consistently higher gas prices.

The French Vote: Why Sarkozy Matters

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

WSJ Berlin Bureau Chief Matthew Karnitschnig takes a seat on Mean Street to explain instability among the European economies and Germany's interest in the French elections. Photo: AP.

Has Europe’s Storm Reached U.S. Markets?

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

U.S. markets reacted negatively to renewed instability in Europe on Monday. Barrons.com funds columnist Brendan Conway visits Mean Street to explain the story behind the numbers. Photo: Bloomberg News.

DealBook: Nestle to Buy Pfizer’s Infant Nutrition Unit for $11.9 Billion

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The Swiss food giant Nestlé agreed on Monday to buy Pfizer's infant nutrition business for $11.9 billion to expand its presence in the global baby food market.

Mexico lawmakers call for Wal-Mart bribery probe (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

MEXICO CITY, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Mexican lawmakers called on authorities on Monday to investigate allegations of bribery at the Mexico unit of Wal-Mart Stores Inc, even though prosecutors said it may not be a federal matter. ... > read full story

Exclusive: CEO’s sales of well stakes raise questions at Chesapeake (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Chesapeake Energy Corp's chief executive came under fire last week after Reuters reported that he used his stakes in company wells to take out as much as $1.1 billion in personal loans. ... > read full story

DealBook: UBS Lures Away Bank of America Executive

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

James Forbes will be vice chairman of UBS Group Americas. It is the second time in recent weeks that UBS has poached an executive from Bank of America.

Op-Ed Contributor: The Wrong Way to Stop Fake Drugs

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The law against ordering drugs online from other countries hurts the uninsured and the underinsured, and should be changed.

American Airlines fires opening shot in court battle with workers (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- American Airlines <AAMRQ.PK> on Monday kicked off a week-long court hearing on its bid to abandon union contracts, telling a judge that its bankrupt parent, AMR Corp, cannot survive without major concessions from its labor force. ... > read full story

Economix: Losing the Future: Gutting Science Training

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Facing draconian cuts in state funds, the University of Florida joins a host of public universities that have decided to dismantle their computer science departments.

CORRECTED: Spain has few ways to pressure Argentina over YPF (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

MADRID, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Spain has threatened to retaliate against Argentina for nationalizing a Spanish energy firm, but Madrid will find it hard to put real pressure on a maverick nation that has been shut out of world debt markets and has ignored international fines in previous disputes. ... > read full story

The Avon Lady Works to Catch Up on Social Media

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Avon, famous for sending its sellers door-to-door, is trying to boost its presence on social-media sites. Emily Glazer reports on digits. Photo: Avon.

Global Markets Veer Lower on Turbulence in Europe

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Wall Street fell 1 percent while market indexes in Europe were down 3 percent on a collision of negative political and economic indicators.

E-Books Lawsuit Aids Amazon, Critics Say

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Critics say that the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Apple and five publishers is aiding Internet retailing giant Amazon at the expense of struggling book publishers. Thomas Catan reports on digits. Photo: AP.

BranchOut Tries to Take on LinkedIn

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

BranchOut is the largest professional network on Facebook, now surpasses 25 million users. BranchOut CEO Rick Marini discusses the outlook for niche social media sites on digits. Photo: BranchOut.

Online Video Turns Up the Heat on TV Ad Dollars

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Online-video outlets are making their most organized push yet for traditional television's ad dollars. Sam Schechner reports on digits. Photo: Hulu.

Advertising: Part of Waste Problem Becomes Part of Solution

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

“The Great Recycle,” planned for April 30 in New York by Honest Tea, seeks to recycle 45,000 beverage containers, the number of its product the company sells daily in the city.

BP sues Bridas on $7 billion South American deal collapse (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- BP Plc sued Argentina's Bridas Corp on Monday over a collapsed $7.06 billion asset sale, saying it is willing to pay a $700 million breakup fee so long as it will not face fraud claims arising from its conduct. ... > read full story

Invesco may sell $18 billion wealth business: sources (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Invesco Ltd <IVZ.N> is trying to sell its $18 billion wealth management business, according to five sources. ... > read full story

CEO of Carnival’s Costa Group retiring (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- The chief executive officer of the Carnival Corp & PLC <CCL.N> unit whose ship ran aground off the coast of Italy in January in a deadly accident is retiring and will be replaced by the head of another of the cruise operator's European lines. ... > read full story

BUSINESS: Business Day Live | April 23, 2012

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

What American Airlines hopes to achieve in bankruptcy court and LPL Financial's Jeffrey Kleintop on market outlook.

Smart Alarms That Wake You Gently

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Does being jarred awake out of a deep sleep make you grumpy and groggy? A bevy of new devices measure your sleep cycles and wake you up when you are sleeping lightly. Leslie Yazel has details on Lunch Break. Photo: aXbo.

Prospects Dim for Kansas City Complex

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The tab is mounting for Kansas City, Mo., on a bet it made during the real-estate boom on an $850 million downtown entertainment district. Eliot Brown has details on Lunch Break. Photo: Steve Hebert for The Wall Street Journal

Storm Brings Snow to Northeast

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

A late-season nor'easter pushed up the East Coast and was expected to bring rain and heavy winds and may shatter springtime snowfall records from Virginia to New York state. Meteorologist Eric Holthaus has the latest on Lunch Break. Photo: AP.

MetLife in $500 million ‘Death Master’ deal with states (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- MetLife Inc <MET.N>, the largest life insurer in the United States, will pay $500 million to settle a multi-state investigation into claims payment practices, the office of California's state controller said on Monday. ... > read full story

TV Viewers Are Missing in Action

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Across the television landscape, viewing for all sorts of prime-time shows is down — chiefly among 18- to 49-year olds, the most important audience for the business.

A Hit Maker Bets Future Earnings on an Expansion Plan

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The entertainment entrepreneur Peter Chernin has made an arrangement with investors, who are taking a stake in the future earnings of his films and television shows and channeling him the money now.

Microsoft to sell some AOL patents to Facebook (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Microsoft Corp <MSFT.O> signed an agreement with Facebook Inc to sell for $550 million some of the patents it is buying from AOL Inc <AOL.N>. ... > read full story

The Media Equation: TV News Corrects Itself, Just Not on the Air

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Newspapers run corrections all the time, but a mistake on television news, like NBC’s misleading editing of an audio clip by George Zimmerman, is often followed by silence.

Aiming for Clarity, Fed Falls Short in Some Eyes

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Despite efforts at increasing transparency, the Federal Reserve’s pronouncements remain a catalyst for debate and confusion among investors and experts.

ConocoPhillips First-Quarter Profit Drops 3 Percent

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

ConocoPhillips said Monday that its first-quarter profit dropped 3 percent due to a decline in production following the sale of billions of dollars of oil fields and other assets.

I.M.F. and World Bank Meetings End With Little Agreement

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The International Monetary Fund won significant pledges this weekend, but meetings ended without a consensus on how to speed up the economic recovery or stamp out the European debt crisis.

Wealth: Why Advisers Shouldn’t Go Independent

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Going independent isn't right for every adviser. Plus, how to claim a parent as a tax deduction. And, a look at wireless infrastructure stocks. Dow Jones Wealth Adviser's Veronica Dagher reports.

In Indonesia, Suharto Son in Dispute Over Shipping Company

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The case against Tommy Suharto’s conglomerate PT Humpuss highlights the challenges of doing business with companies in the fast-growing country.

Stronger earnings prove pessimists wrong (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Wall Street may have written off corporate America too quickly. ... > read full story

MF Global Customers Press J.P. Morgan for Funds

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

MF Global customers are pushing regulators to get tougher on J.P. Morgan Chase about money that went missing from accounts just before the firm's collapse, Aaron Lucchetti reports on Markets Hub. Photo: AP.

Europe, Domestic Worries Drive Down Markets

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

U.S. stocks followed European markets lower as weak euro-zone economic data and increasing political uncertainty in France and Holland unnerved investors. Steven Russolillo reports on Markets Hub. Photo: Reuters.

DealBook: Vodafone to Acquire Cable and Wireless Worldwide for $1.7 Billion

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

The British phone company Vodafone agreed to buy Cable and Wireless Worldwide, adding a fixed telephone line network and services for businesses to its wireless operations.

UBS taps private equity chief to boost deals (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- UBS AG <UBSN.VX> <UBS.N>, the Swiss bank that this month suffered the departure of some of its most senior dealmakers in the U.S., said on Monday it hired the former head of Bank of America Corp's <BAC.N> buyout arm to bolster its deals coverage. ... > read full story

DealBook: AstraZeneca Reaches $1.26 Billion Deal for Ardea Biosciences

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

AstraZeneca’s efforts to buy Ardea come after the British drug company GlaxoSmithKline offered $2.6 billion last week to acquire Human Genome Sciences, another biotech company.

Volkswagen to invest $225 million in new Chinese plant (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

FRANKFURT, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Volkswagen <VOWG_p.DE>, the world's second largest carmaker, will invest about 170 million euros ($225 million) building a new plant in Urumqi, western China, capable of making 50,000 vehicles annually starting 2015, the company said on Monday. ... > read full story

Thomson Reuters sells healthcare unit to Veritas (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

NEW YORK, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- News and information company Thomson Reuters Corp <TRI.TO> <TRI.N> said on Monday it will sell its healthcare business to private equity firm Veritas Capital for $1.25 billion in cash. ... > read full story

Qtel comes calling for $2 billion loan: bankers (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

LONDON, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Qatar Telecom <QTEL.QA> has sent requests for proposals to international lenders for a $2 billion refinancing loan that will mark its return to the market after a two-year gap, bankers close to the deal said. ... > read full story

ConocoPhillips profit dips on output decline (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- ConocoPhillips <COP.N> reported a drop in quarterly profit as asset sales and the shutdown of its operations in China after an oil leak there trimmed its oil output. ... > read full story

China premium car sector remains bright spot (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

BEIJING, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Global car makers such as GM, Daimler, BMW and Peugeot are counting on China to maintain growth in their premium offerings, even as all the signs point to an overall slowing in the world's largest auto market. ... > read full story

3rd Annual Asia-Pacific Debt Investor Forum

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

FinanceAsia and AsianInvestor hosted the 3rd Annual Asia-Pacific Debt Investor Forum at the Conrad Hotel on April 12-13.

Kellogg cuts outlook, shares sink (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Kellogg Co <K.N> cut its full-year outlook on Monday, citing a weaker-than-expected first-quarter performance, and its shares fell 6.6 percent. ... > read full story

You’re the Boss: A Weekly Roundup of Small-Business News

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

What's up? Building permits, gasoline prices, retail sales and hot sauce!

Repsol warns potential YPF investors of lawsuits (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

MADRID, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Oil major Repsol <REP.MC> warned it could take legal action against companies that invest in YPF after Argentina seized control of the Spanish company's energy unit last week. ... > read full story

Painful Greek austerity bit into 2011 budget gap (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

ATHENS, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Battered Greece saw its budget deficit fall to 9.1 percent of gross output last year as severe austerity required to secure international aid bit into spending. ... > read full story

SABMiller appoints Alan Clark CEO as of July 2013 (Reuters)

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

LONDON, Apr. 23, 2012 (Reuters) -- Global brewer SABMiller <SAB.L> said its European chief Alan Clark will succeed long-standing Chief Executive Graham Mackay in July 2013 in series of top management changes that will see the 62-year old Mackay take over as chairman. ... > read full story

Economix: Nancy Folbre: Valuing Family Work

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Insisting that parents who provide a great deal of care for family members also have an outside-the-home job to qualify for government assistance is a burden, an economist writes.

Time for a reality check in Indonesia

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Beneath a benign surface, Indonesia's economy is suffering from worsening terms of trade and a deteriorating income account, according to Sean Darby of Jefferies.

Haitong Securities raises $1.67 billion from HK IPO

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Shanghai-listed brokerage Haitong Securities prices its relaunched Hong Kong offering below the mid-point, even though good support from cornerstones and anchors gives other investors the confidence to come into the deal.

Dongyue scraps concurrent CB and secondary share placement

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Dongyue cancels the combined deal after its controlling shareholder declines to sell shares at the bottom of the price range, a source said.

Taiwan telecom firms face pressure from tough regulators

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Tighter regulatory controls in the country could stymie the profitability of telecom operators and damage their credit profiles, says a report by Taiwan Ratings at Standard & Poor’s.

Investment in Asia corporate perps warrants caution, says Fidelity

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Investors are advised to scan the fine prints of an Asian corporate perpetual bond as the level of covenants could differ from one instrument to the next, even when issued by the same credit, says the fund manager.

Asia biggest buyer of Australian debt

April 23, 2012 in Asia Pacific Business News, Syndicated Posts

Regional investor appetite for Australian government bonds has increased to the point that they will likely become the primary holder of Australian debt globally, according to experts.