26 Sep 2025

Amazon has announced it will close its Amazon Fresh convenience stores in the UK, with five locations set to be converted into Whole Foods Market outlets. Launched as checkout-free stores using "walk out" technology, the Fresh format carried groceries and "by Amazon" products but was reassessed after a business review. The company said online grocery and household essentials via Amazon.co.uk, Amazon Fresh online, Whole Foods Market, and partners like Morrisons and Co-op are seeing stronger demand. From next year, Amazon plans to expand into perishable groceries with same-day delivery. The move reflects a focus on digital-first growth and premium food retail.Read more

26 Sep 2025

Azerbaijan's state-owned energy company SOCAR has signed an agreement to acquire Italiana Petroli, securing control of one of Italy's largest petrol station networks. The deal was formalised during an international investment forum in Baku, though financial details were not disclosed. Industry insiders previously indicated that the Brachetti Peretti family, the seller, was seeking an enterprise value of around EUR 2.5 billion (USD 2.95 billion). The transaction, still subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.Read more

25 Sep 2025

Vietnam faces the steepest losses in Southeast Asia from the recent US tariffs, with exports to America projected to fall by nearly USD 25 billion, or about one-fifth of the total shipped last year. UNDP estimates show that Vietnam's dependence on the US market makes it more vulnerable than regional peers such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The first trade figures since the tariffs came into force already show a decline in shipments, particularly in footwear. The World Bank has cut Vietnam's growth forecast, while global brands sourcing from Vietnam have stayed silent on the issue.Read more

25 Sep 2025

Germany's home prices rose 3.2% in the second quarter, continuing a three-quarter streak of growth, though values remain 9% below 2022 levels amid high interest rates and inflation. Residential property shows signs of recovery, while office and retail spaces remain under pressure due to remote work and online shopping. Germany's property sector is a major economic contributor but has faced challenges from tighter financing and rising costs. Insolvencies have risen 33% this year, reflecting ongoing liquidity risks and highlighting the fragile state of the broader real estate market.Read more

25 Sep 2025

Emeis, in partnership with Farallon Capital and TwentyTwo Real Estate, has created a real estate company to manage its healthcare properties. This initiative goes beyond the group's original divestment plan of EUR 1.5 billion, bringing the total to about EUR 1.9 billion. The partners will invest EUR 761 million later this year, helping Emeis cut its net debt by nearly EUR 700 million. The portfolio was valued at EUR 1.22 billion at the close of 2024. Emeis will retain control of the new company while continuing to operate its healthcare assets.Read more

25 Sep 2025

Saks Global, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, is considering selling a minority stake in Bergdorf Goodman as part of efforts to reduce debt. The luxury retailer, which operates women's and men's stores on Fifth Avenue in New York, is seen as central to the group's long-term strategy. Reports suggest the company is in talks with multiple bidders for a potential 49% stake valued at around USD 1 billion, though no final decision has been made. The move follows Saks Global's acquisition of Neiman Marcus last year for USD 2.65 billion.Read more

24 Sep 2025

Hong Kong shut down this past week as Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world's strongest tropical cyclone this year, swept across southern China. Authorities suspended most flights, closed schools and businesses, and urged people to remain indoors. Panic buying left supermarket shelves empty, while Guangdong province evacuated more than 770,000 residents and prepared to relocate over one million. With hurricane-force winds, torrential rainfall and storm surges forecast, the Hong Kong Observatory warned of conditions similar to previous devastating typhoons Hato and Mangkhut.Read more

24 Sep 2025

KEC International has secured new orders worth INR 3,243 crore for power transmission and distribution projects in the UAE and the Americas. These include 400 kV transmission lines and the supply of towers, poles, and hardware. With these orders, the company's year-to-date total has reached INR 11,700 crore. The Middle East continues to be an important growth region, and KEC's work across power, civil, transport, renewables, and pipelines helps it maintain a strong position in global infrastructure projects.Read more

24 Sep 2025

Keppel DC REIT, listed in Singapore, has announced the acquisition of a hyperscale data centre in Tokyo's Inzai City alongside its parent company, Keppel. The total deal value is about JPY 82.1 billion (USD 555 million), representing a small discount to its valuation of JPY 83 billion. Keppel DC REIT will hold a 98.47% effective interest in the facility, while Keppel will hold the remainder. To support the acquisition, the trust will raise SGD 404.5 million through a preferential offering. The addition is expected to enhance earnings and lift its assets under management to SGD 5.7 billion.Read more

23 Sep 2025

Dubai's property investors were advised not to base their decisions only on forecasts of price corrections linked to new housing supply. Analysts such as Fitch and Moody's recently suggested a possible 15% decline in values by the end of this year or early next. However, fäm Properties' CEO Firas Al Msaddi highlighted that the market is far more complex, urging investors to track broader indicators like demand, sales activity, rent levels, and liquidity instead of focusing solely on scheduled deliveries.Read more