South Asia

The oil price has surged to $82 a barrel amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran responds with multiple missiles across the Middle East after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran over the weekend; the UAE has closed its stock markets for two days.

Co-investors in the take-private deal for the healthcare firm include 65 Equity Partners, the Employees Provident Fund and China’s Silk Road Fund.

Amid regional market momentum, the global bank has a strong pipeline of Apac deals across ECM, DCM and M&A.

India and the EU have signed a free trade agreement after years of negotiating; over 90% of goods are set to move tariff free.

In the week of the World Economic Forum, Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra, shares investment opportunities such as AI, infrastructure, mobility and renewables, in the fast-growing Indian state.

The fundraise includes $1.8bn for KKR Asia Credit Opportunities Fund II as the investment giant sees growing investor demand for allocation to private credit in the region; the fund has been used for deals in Hong Kong, India and Australia.

Entries are now open for the 30th edition of the FinanceAsia Awards which celebrate the best banks, brokers, consultants, rating agencies, law firms and other financial institutions across the region.

A $500m, 30-year tranche was added to the latest offering to support India’s regional and international trade activities at a time of global trade tensions.

In a positive year for the region's banks, 2025 ECM fees in Apac, ex Japan, were up 45% from 2024, DCM fees saw 11% growth, amid a record year for bonds, while M&A advisory fees climbed 43%.