The 2013 Corporate Shakeups.

In 2012, we have seen some big movers and shakers in the Malaysian corporate world. Well, some of the biggest deals include the listings of FELDA Global, IHH Healthcare as well as ASTRO - adding up to over RM20bil worth. Other exciting things that happened this year included AMBank or AMMB's acquisition of Kurnia Insurans for about RM1.6b, DRB Hicom's purchase of Proton, PNB's purchase of SP Setia, SapuraKencana's merger.... and the list just keeps on going. If you take RHB's RM2b purchase of OSK, and then Kenanga's merger with ECM Libra as well - we have ourselves as a very interesting 2012. 

There were some other major acquisitions - assets-wise, including 1MDB's purchase of the RM8.5b Tanjong power plant and also the RM2.3b Genting power plants. Other deals in the pipeline which had been announced already and pending approvals and completion now includes AIA's purchase of ING Malaysia, Hong Leong's privatization of Guoco Group, the privatizations of QSR's KFC and of course, Petronas's takeover of Canada's Progress Energy Resources. 

All these pending deals should be completed rather soon, say in the first half of 2013. 

So.... what else is there for 2013?

It would be interesting to look at Malaysia's 2nd richest man - Ananda Krishnan and his corporate exploits. Now, what is next, after ASTRO's IPO? I understand that his Maxis will be launching their 4G/LTE as well as a full roll-out of the Maxis IPTV next year. Other interesting deals include disposals of TGV Cinemas, Menara Maxis... and who knows what else... 

Another man in the limelight would be Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary. He has been always on a acquisition trail - and he has already bought Hicom, Proton, Bernas, Pos Malaysia, Alam Flora, Bank Muamalat, Modenas, and... I lost count LOL. He has recently been linked with XOX, whose share prices spiked on the news. As of now, he is said to be eyeing Northport and various other ports, other water and sewerage assets, and most prominently, the RM50b KTM Bhd. 

By far the most prominent Chinese guy who's the king of acquisitions - would be Tan Sri Francis Yeoh. With plenty of cash in the bank... yes, RM 14billion - Francis Yeoh and YTL is always shopping for deals - and they usually go for the billion dollar deals. This year, they bought three Marriott Hotels in Australia already for RM1.3b and took YTL Cement private. Next up... YTL Power, perhaps? 

So, lets see who buys what next - and we will look forward to an exciting 2013. =)