This tracker covers possible deals reported by media across Asia-Pacific over a certain period. The information is gathered from various news sources, excludes confirmed deals and is limited to potential acquisitions or sales involving companies or operations in the region. Click here to read the previous month's report.
Australia and New Zealand emerged as bright spots for potential deals in Asia-Pacific's financial sector in March, as Westpac Banking Corp. kicked off a review of its New Zealand business and suitors lined up for the potential purchase of Commonwealth Bank of Australia's general insurance business.
Westpac, Australia's third-largest bank by assets, said it was considering a possible demerger of its New Zealand business as part of its review concerning an appropriate structure for the business. The bank's March 24 announcement came after the New Zealand central bank flagged concerns over Westpac New Zealand Ltd.'s risk governance processes and required it to commission two independent reports to address the issue.