14 Jul 2026

French banking group BPCE has entered exclusive negotiations with cooperative lender Crédit Mutuel Arkéa to acquire its real estate subsidiaries, Izimmo and Liberkeys, as part of its strategy to expand its presence in France's property market. The proposed acquisition, announced in the past week, is expected to strengthen BPCE's position across real estate investment, savings and brokerage services. The bank, which holds a 26% share of the French mortgage market, said the transaction would complement its existing property-related businesses. Financial terms of the proposed deal have not been disclosed. Subject to the completion of negotiations and customary approvals, the transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of the year.Read more

14 Jul 2026

Kontron Transportation has won a contract to modernise the railway communications core network for Portugal’s national railway infrastructure. The project will support the country’s transition to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), the next-generation railway communications standard. The scope includes supplying and installing radio communication infrastructure, testing, migration, training and long-term operational support. The contract further strengthens Kontron Transportation’s presence in Portugal, where the country has been investing in the digital transformation of its railway infrastructure to improve safety, interoperability and network efficiency.Read more

13 Jul 2026

New Century Group Hong Kong Ltd has announced that one of its subsidiaries has granted a mortgage loan worth HKD 8.7 million with a repayment period of 12 months. The transaction forms part of the company's financial services activities and was disclosed through a regulatory filing. The company has not released additional details about the borrower, the purpose of the loan, or the interest terms. The announcement comes as listed companies continue to disclose material lending transactions in line with Hong Kong's regulatory requirements.Read more

13 Jul 2026

UK housebuilder Vistry expects a stronger second half of the year despite forecasting a first-half pre-tax loss of GBP 30 million (USD 40 million). The company has outlined a strategic overhaul led by Chief Executive Adam Daniels, focusing on cost reductions, lower land purchases, a smaller regional footprint and the discontinuation of part-exchange operations to improve profitability and reduce debt. While first-half completions declined to around 6,100 homes due to delays in partner-funded developments, Vistry maintained its full-year adjusted profit guidance of GBP 200 million. The builder also expects to end the year with net cash exceeding GBP 100 million, supported by higher open-market sales, investment partner projects, government affordable housing grants and the impact of its restructuring programme.Read more

13 Jul 2026

At least 28 people were killed after a fire broke out at a footwear manufacturing factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, in southeastern China. The blaze, which erupted around midday earlier this week, engulfed the multi-storey building and trapped several workers on the rooftop as thick smoke spread through the premises. Of the 239 people present at the factory, 213 were evacuated, while 26 workers initially reported missing were later confirmed dead. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an all-out rescue effort, a swift investigation into the cause of the incident and strict accountability for those found responsible. Company personnel have been detained and the firm's bank accounts frozen.Read more

13 Jul 2026

Modon Holding and ADIB have introduced Abu Dhabi’s first off-plan home financing solution, allowing eligible buyers to secure financing of up to 75% for off-plan residential properties. The financing option will initially be available only for future Modon developments. Under the payment structure, buyers will pay 15% during the construction phase, while the remaining 5–10% will be payable at the time of handover. The initiative is aimed at improving access to home financing and supporting homebuyers purchasing under-construction properties in Abu Dhabi.Read more

13 Jul 2026

Fletcher Building has raised its operating earnings guidance for FY26 after stronger-than-expected performance in its manufacturing and distribution businesses. The revised outlook pushed the company's shares to a four-month high during early trading. While improved sales volumes and expected earnings from surplus property sales supported the upgrade, the company cautioned that higher input costs and economic uncertainty could affect recovery in FY27. It also highlighted delays and cancellations of new commercial projects amid rising inflationary pressures and increasing borrowing costs in New Zealand.Read more

13 Jul 2026

Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) has approved new investment proposals worth USD 1.99 billion, with projects led by Nestlé, Thai Airways, Japan's Datasection Inc. and South Korea's Donsan Group. Announced in the past week, the approvals include USD 688.7 million for Nestlé's coffee production expansion in Samut Prakan, USD 430.2 million for Thai Airways to lease eight aircraft, and USD 235.2 million for high-performance GPU server infrastructure in Bangkok and Pathum Thani. South Korea's Donsan Group will also invest USD 180.2 million to manufacture copper-clad laminate and prepreg for printed circuit boards. The investments span food manufacturing, aviation, digital infrastructure and electronics, reflecting Thailand's continued efforts to attract large-scale industrial investment.Read more

13 Jul 2026

Indonesia expects its proposed international financial centre to attract investments of between IDR 300 trillion and IDR 500 trillion (USD 16.7 billion–USD 27.8 billion), according to a senior Finance Ministry official. Announced in the past week, the project is intended to encourage the establishment of new foreign bank branches and business entities, although the location of the financial hub has yet to be finalised. The Indonesian government is currently deliberating legislation that will govern the project, including its legal framework and tax incentives. Proposals under discussion include full corporate income tax exemptions for eligible businesses and value-added tax (VAT) exemptions on goods and services within the financial centre, as the government seeks to strengthen Indonesia's position as a regional financial hub.Read more

12 Jul 2026

Indian engineering and infrastructure companies are exploring business opportunities in South Africa as the country moves ahead with plans to modernise its rail and logistics network. During the Africa Rail Expo, Indian firms held discussions with local stakeholders and signed new partnership agreements, reflecting growing commercial ties between the two countries. Indian officials highlighted the country's experience in rail infrastructure, ports and power systems, while companies showcased technologies ranging from rail construction and welding equipment to insulation materials, with some even considering local manufacturing in South Africa.Read more