Specialist advisory services publications

The 2008 Asia Pacific capital markets guide

China and India, the economic superpowers emerging from the Asia Pacific region, will shift the balance of world capital flows, both creating demand for capital and providing investment funds to satisfy it. As the economies and markets in the region have deregulated, the opportunities for entrepreneurs and established businesses have grown exponentially.

The report highlights some eye catching results, most notably that the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) is leading growth in the Asia-Pacific region. The average total market capitalisation of the SSE grew 350 per cent from 2006 to 2007.

The 2008 Asia Pacific capital markets guide compares the performance of the 21 largest stock exchanges in the Asia Pacific region between 2005 and 2007. This guide is part of a series of capital markets guides that Grant Thornton International has compiled over the last seven years, tracking the emergence and development of these markets.

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2008 International Business Report (IBR) mergers and acquisitions (M&A) report

According to the International Business Report, produced by Grant Thornton International, despite the current turbulence in the world financial markets, 44 per cent of privately held businesses (PHBs) globally are planning to grow through acquisition in the next three years and 23 per cent of those businesses anticipate a cross border deal. PHBs see domestic and international M&A as a key strategic tool to drive growth.

The 2008 IBR M&A report explores the perceptions of privately held businesses and in particular their plans to undertake domestic or cross border M&A transactions over the next three years.

The data generated include some eye-catching results. Most notable are the differences in regional attitudes towards M&A helping to reinforce the view that, international capability in mid-market activity is becoming increasingly relevant and that mid-market M&A volumes have remained historically robust.

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Mergers and acquisitions - international overview

Once the preserve of local deals, the mid-market is now an engine for growth in cross border transactions that are increasingly the norm in both acquisition and disposals activity. Entrepreneurial businesses have ever higher expectations of their advisers, demanding the ability to deliver ideas, expertise, relationships and resources in a seamless manner throughout the world's major corporate centres.

The unique value proposition of Grant Thornton member firms is one which combines excellent local delivery with the knowledge and reach provided by a highly active international network and a shared determination to continue to develop and invest in growing their capabilities for the future.

The mergers and acquisitions - international overview profiles a selection of the work completed by corporate finance teams from Grant Thornton member firms around the world.

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2007 Middle East capital markets guide

The liquidity generated from increased oil prices and the fertility of investment opportunities have attracted both regional and international investors to Middle East stock markets. The region has seen exponential growth over the past few years. Many new companies have been listed or are planning to list in the near future. The gradual acceptance of the need for greater transparency and improved corporate governance by businesses in the region is also helping to develop the region's stock markets.

The Middle East markets guide analyses the performance of 14 Middle East markets with a combined capitalisation of US$869bn. It also includes listing information and commentary on the development of markets in the region.

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