Asia-Pacific M&A Bulletin: Year-end 2007

The Asia Pacific M&A Bulletin, prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers, is a useful reference for current and potential investors targeting Asia-Pacific which provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the trends in the mergers and acquisitions arena.

This M&A bulletin explores the in-depth insights of the economic growth as well as M&A activity in Asia-Pacific region. It also provides the key factors which are likely to impact investment activity in the near future and highlights the special features including "New Barbarians at the Gates – Impact of SWF on M&A in Asia Pacific" and "Vietnam – Taking stock at the first anniversary of WTO membership".

Vietnam highlights:

• According to the Bulletin, deal volume in Vietnam has continued to increase significantly over the past year.
• The total value of the 113 deals reported during the year set a record of US$ 1,753 million compared to just 38 deals reported with a total value of US$ 299 million in 2006.
• Deals of over US$ 1,350 million, or 76% of the total deal value, were recorded in the financial services industry.
• Conditions for sourcing and executing deals in Vietnam are likely to continue to improve at a slow but steady pace.
• The government has committed to speeding up administrative reform thus obtaining licences is expected to be a faster and more transparent process.