28 Sep 2025

Sempra is set to sell a USD 10 billion stake in its infrastructure business to a KKR-led consortium, giving the group 65% ownership, while Sempra and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority retain 25% and 10%, respectively. The infrastructure unit is valued at approximately USD 22.2 billion. At the same time, Sempra approved a USD 14 billion expansion of its Port Arthur LNG facility in Texas, which will add two liquefaction trains, storage, and support facilities, increasing capacity by 13 million tonnes annually with operations expected in 2030-31. The move is part of Sempra's strategy to streamline operations and improve earnings per share from 2027.Read more

28 Sep 2025

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged the government to increase housing construction to address rapidly rising real estate prices that have made homeownership difficult for many citizens. Apartment prices in key cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have risen 5.6% this year, averaging 80 million dong (USD 3,028) per square metre, while the average annual salary remains 98.4 million dong. The government plans to simplify development procedures, reduce costs for developers, support social housing projects, and ensure loans at reasonable interest rates.Read more

27 Sep 2025

Transnet has entered into a ten-year supply agreement with Liebherr and a 20-year asset management programme to modernise South Africa's port operations. The partnership covers the delivery of cranes and long-term maintenance support. Orders already placed include four ship-to-shore cranes for Durban and 48 rubber-tyred gantry cranes for Durban and Cape Town. The deal also provides for rail-mounted gantry and mobile harbour cranes, as well as expanded service facilities. Liebherr is setting up a new competence and training centre in Durban and improving service capacity in Cape Town to ensure local support.Read more

27 Sep 2025

The Reserve Bank of Australia governor said the economy is well placed, with inflation easing and the labour market resilient, but warned that global uncertainty requires policy flexibility. Interest rates have been cut three times this year, bringing the cash rate to 3.6%, with markets expecting further easing by mid-2026. Inflation is projected to return to the 2-3% target, while unemployment remains low at 4.2%. Household spending recovery and global risks, particularly weak growth in China, remain key concerns. The governor stressed that while growth has picked up and household incomes are improving, the RBA must stay ready to adjust rates if conditions deteriorate.Read more

27 Sep 2025

UAE-based real estate developer Arada has acquired a 75% stake in British property developer Regal in a deal worth AED 2.5 billion. The move, which follows Arada's expansion into Australia last year, marks its second international venture. Regal will be renamed Arada London, with the company committing to triple its UK pipeline of 10,000 homes across 11 projects within three years. Executives said the London market offers long-term opportunity despite current challenges, joining other UAE developers expanding into the UK. Arada is also eyeing Saudi Arabia as its next market.Read more

27 Sep 2025

The European Union has announced that it will delay the implementation of its anti-deforestation law by another year, marking the second postponement of the measure. The legislation, which seeks to prevent imports of commodities such as palm oil, beef and soy linked to deforestation, faced pushback from trade partners including the United States, Brazil and Indonesia, alongside concerns from European producers. Officials stated that the delay was due to unresolved issues with IT systems required for monitoring compliance. Environmental campaigners have strongly criticised the decision.Read more

26 Sep 2025

The UK government has approved Gatwick Airport's plan to make its northern runway operational on a routine basis, a project valued at 2.2 billion pounds (USD 2.96 billion). The plan aims to handle millions of additional passengers in the 2030s and create approximately 14,000 jobs. VINCI Airports, which holds a majority stake, confirmed full funding for the project. Safety upgrades include moving the backup runway by 12 metres. While legal challenges may arise, the government believes sustainable aviation fuels ensure airport growth aligns with net-zero targets.Read more

26 Sep 2025

New World Development has secured a substantial term loan of HKD 5.9 billion (USD 758.62 million) from Deutsche Bank to support its financing needs. The facility includes an initial tranche of HKD 3.95 billion and is backed by a first-priority mortgage on Victoria Dockside, although the property can still be used for further financing. Despite refinancing USD 11.24 billion earlier this year, the company seeks additional funding to manage debt and sustain operations in a weak property market. Its debt issues stem from past expansion, Hong Kong's unrest, the pandemic, and a prolonged real estate slump.Read more

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