The Weekly News Update is a weekly roundup of business news from around the Asia-Pacific region, covering Fusion Consulting's core industry practices: chemicals, consumer & retail, financial services, industrial & logistics, information & communication technology, life science and media & leisure. If you have colleagues or friends who may be interested in subscribing, please forward this email to them and copy knowledge@fusionc.com.       Merging with the Mainland: China's M&A opportunities   M&A activity in China continues to surge, thanks to strong economic growth and  private equity activity. With regulatory changes in 2006, several sectors should see  further M&A action in 2007 and beyond. Find out where the opportunities lie.

Financial services

Korea - StanChart cleared for brokerage while Citi denied Source: Reuters, 09 May 2008 South Korea gave Standard Chartered a preliminary nod to launch local brokerage operations, the first time in five years that new players have been allowed into the fast-growing sector. However, Citibank Korea, which had applied for a brokerage license, was not on the approved list. Standard Chartered's new unit will cover the whole range of brokerage services, with capital of W300 billion (US$288.4 million). There are 54 securities companies operating in South Korea, with aggregate capital of US$30 billion, but none commands even 10% of the market. Brokerages in South Korea earned a combined W4.4 trillion (US$4.2 billion) in 2008 ended March, up 70% from a year ago. Thailand - Standards needed for platinum credit card rules Source: Bangkok Post, 12 May 2008 The Credit Card Club, which represents local card issuers in Thailand, is planning to review minimum credit lines for platinum cardholders to tighten industry standards. It is unknown whether minimum credit lines would be increased or decreased, but the new standards were expected to be completed within the next several months. Currently, there is no firm standard exists on minimum platinum cardholder qualifications, with each issuer left to decide how to  position the card among their customer base. The Credit Card Club projects market growth of 15% in 2008, but rising inflation and an uncertain economic outlook has raised doubts achieving the target. Australia - St George agrees to Westpac merger Source: Asia in Focus, 13 May 2008 Australia's fifth largest lender, St George Bank Ltd, has agreed to a A$19 billion (US$18 billion) merger offer from the nation's third biggest bank, Westpac Banking Corporation. A deal between the two would create Australia's biggest lender with a market capitalisation of around A$66 billion (US$62.46 billion). The merged bank will have a market share of 25% as well as being the nation's largest wealth platform provider with funds under administration of US$108 billion. The deal is subjected to conditions including approvals from the federal treasurer, the competition watchdog and the national banking authority.     View an example of our experience in this industry. Back to list of articles.  Visit our website to sign up for free intelligence on Asian markets.

This Weekly News Update is a free newsletter, providing a round-up of the week's Asia-Pacific news from our core industry practices. If you have colleagues or friends who may be interested in subscribing, please forward this email to them and copy knowledge@fusionc.com.

Fusion Consulting is a business intelligence consultancy providing clear strategic advice on Asia-Pacific markets. With offices in Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong and 400 industry consultants in 16 countries, we conduct custom research and consulting to help companies understand their markets, compete more effectively and grow into new areas of opportunity. Email more@fusionc.com or visit www.fusionc.com for more information.