Maybank: It is considering options to expand in Thailandincluding takeovers after raising RM3.66 billion (US$1.2 billion) this month to boost its presence in Southeast Asia . Its intention to have a full presence across all the 10 countries in Southeast Asia . Within that context, the idea of raising additional capital is meant to enable Maybank to grow a bit more aggressive in markets like Indonesia , thePhilippines and later possibly into Singapore. However its CEO Abdul Wahid reiterated that proceeds from its Oct 8 share sale are not meant for making a bid for Bank of Ayudhya Pcl in Thailand.

Gamuda: Speculation that major shareholders and directors of Gamuda reducing their stakes in Gamuda. Market observers said that it could be a usual portfolio reorganization in anticipation of Malaysia's impending general election. Major shareholders and directors of Gamuda had disposed of Gamuda in early Oct 2012. The EPF had sold 4.5 million shares. Following the sale the EPF still holds 5.37% stake in Gamuda. Meanwhile Raja Datuk Seri Eleena Azlan Shah, a director in Gamuda, had sold a total of 1.9 million shares in the open market at between rm3.52 and rm3.57 each. Followinf the sale, Eleena still owns an indirect 6.2% and a direct 0.01% stake in Gamuda.Another director, Datuk Ng had disposed three million shares at rm3.50 each leaving him with a remaining direct stake of 1.39% in Gamuda.

Airasia: The acquisition of PT Metro Batavia, the owner of ailing carrier, Batavia Air, by Malaysia-based low-cost carrier, AirAsia Bhd, and its Indonesian partner, Fersindo Nusaperkasa, has been called off. The company had failed to reach and agreement with AirAsia and Fersindo. AirAsia and Fersindo signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the domestic carrier at end-July to buy PT Metro Batavia, including its flying school, worth US$80 million (RM256 million). Under the MoU, AirAsia will own 49 per cent of Metro Batavia, while Fersindo will hold the remaining 51 per cent in order to meet Indonesian ownership rules.