International
Edition 65 · Week 45
EDITION
HOT SELLER THIS WEEK
- OpenAI has agreed several Abu Dhabi partnerships covering AI adoption across government, business and education as the UAE develops its wider AI economy. HPC can identify training companies, education providers and AI implementation specialists that could win subcontracting or distribution opportunities. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="0"}
- Swiss based DKSH has completed a sustainability linked loan with OCBC as it increases its focus on climate targets and sustainable business operations. HPC can connect sustainability consultants, ESG technology providers and financing specialists with companies looking to structure similar deals. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="1"}
- Bangladesh based Capital Alliance Holdings has agreed to acquire 51% of Hong Kong fund manager Asia Frontier Capital, subject to regulatory approval. HPC can identify Asian investors, wealth managers and financial businesses looking for cross border partnerships or acquisition opportunities. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="2"}
- Abu Dhabi is developing a five year programme using AI across public services, including business permits and certificates, alongside wider government adoption. HPC can source technology companies, consultants and implementation partners that could support similar government AI programmes internationally. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="3"}
- US health technology company Midstream Health has raised $20 million to expand AI software that helps hospitals recover lost revenue, identify payment errors and reduce unnecessary costs. HPC can introduce the platform to hospital groups, healthcare investors and international health systems. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="4"}
- Major technology investors are warning that the AI boom will require substantially more capital, infrastructure and skilled workers, creating opportunities for specialist recruitment and workforce providers. HPC can connect AI companies with recruitment firms, training providers and international technical talent networks. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="5"}
- Japanese, South Korean and Taiwanese companies are expected to continue increasing investment in the US as they reshape supply chains and build manufacturing operations. HPC can source factories, industrial land, logistics companies and suppliers that want to participate in this new investment wave. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="6"}
- Hull Street Energy has completed its acquisition of FirstLight's US platform, including hydro, pumped storage, solar and battery assets totalling nearly 1,400 MW. HPC can identify investors, equipment suppliers and renewable energy specialists looking for opportunities around US power infrastructure. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="7"}
- Advent has agreed to acquire Vermeg, a provider of capital markets and life insurance technology, with ADIA participating as a minority co-investor. The business serves regulated financial institutions, creating opportunities for compliance, regulatory technology and specialist advisory firms. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="8"}
- Advent is acquiring Vermeg from Charterhouse and its founder as it targets further investment in AI, financial technology and international expansion. HPC can identify similar privately owned fintech and insurance technology companies that may be suitable acquisition targets for global investors. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="9"}
- Financial leaders say the rapid expansion of AI computing, data centres and energy is creating a huge need for additional capital and better ways to measure technology returns. HPC can source specialist data, analytics and AI value measurement companies that can sell into this expanding market. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="10"}
- Public Policy Holding is acquiring New York communications firm Reevemark for up to $80 million, expanding into litigation, regulatory and crisis communications. HPC can identify specialist PR and communications firms with strong corporate clients that could become acquisition or partnership targets. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="11"}
- CPP Investments and Dream have completed a $585.8 million acquisition of an industrial property portfolio in the Greater Toronto Area, highlighting continued institutional demand for logistics and industrial real estate. HPC can connect developers, property owners and investors seeking similar industrial assets. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="12"}
- Investors have put $30 million into Larridin as enterprises increasingly demand evidence that their growing AI spending is delivering measurable financial value. HPC can identify enterprise customers, technology partners and investors looking for AI solutions with clear commercial returns. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="13"}
- The AI infrastructure market continues to expand rapidly, with S&P estimating that six major hyperscalers could spend more than $7 trillion on AI infrastructure between 2025 and 2030. HPC can source data centre developers, energy providers, chip suppliers, cooling companies and infrastructure investors that can participate in this enormous market. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="14"}
- French event technology company Naboo has acquired UK company Pro-ven, which manages around $300 million of global event spending, as Naboo targets much larger international event volumes. HPC can connect hotels, venues, corporate travel firms and event suppliers with this growing procurement ecosystem.
Sector stories & insights.
Universities and Training Providers Seek Partners to Fund AI Labs as Investors Question AI Spending
Big Tech is spending hundreds of billions on AI, and investors are impatient for returns. Universities and training providers still need AI labs, safe digital campuses and shared computing power, so they are looking for partners to share the cost.
HPC acts as the broker between these institutions and technology vendors, education investors and research funders. We structure and negotiate the partnership, and earn a success fee of 3% on a transaction value of about $20 million.
Companies Look for Trusted Carbon and Green Finance Partners as Energy Prices Swing
Businesses need to prove their green claims are real, so projects that cut emissions or protect nature are looking for verified buyers and investors.
HPC connects project developers with credible offset purchasers and impact investors, handles the deal structure and due diligence, and takes a 3% success fee on credit sales and offtake agreements of roughly $15 million.
Australia's central bank raised its cash rate on Tuesday, while the offshore yuan fell by the most since June after moves by the People's Bank of China. Banks, funds and wealth managers are looking for partners to manage risk and raise fresh capital.
HPC introduces investors to banks, asset managers and wealth firms and arranges minority stake sales and joint ventures. Our fee is 2.5% of closed transaction value, on deals of about $100 million.
Midterm Voting Begins as Iran Talks Progress and a US Strike on Qeshm Island Is Reported
Americans vote today, while Trump says there is a very good chance of a deal with Iran after the country's supreme leader gave negotiators authority to seek peace. The US will also host a second round of Ukraine and Russia talks in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November. Governments are under pressure from war and high energy prices, which opens the door to public and private partnerships.
HPC matches infrastructure sponsors, contractors and lenders with qualifying public private partnership opportunities, supports bid positioning, and earns a 2% success fee on financed projects of around $150 million.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Bayer Report Results as Healthcare Earnings Continue
Bayer's third quarter sales came in at 10.05 billion euros, and Vertex reports today. Hospitals, drug makers and health tech firms are raising money to grow and want partners they can trust.
HPC brokers acquisitions, equity raises and technology partnerships between healthcare operators and specialist investors. We take a 3% success fee on transactions of about $80 million.
Apple's revenue rose 12% to $114.5 billion and earnings of $2.10 a share beat the $1.99 expected, but its shares fell around 3% because it warned that higher memory costs will squeeze its gross margin. Employers are rethinking leadership, pay and retention.
HPC brokers the sale and merger of recruitment, training and talent platforms, and introduces workforce providers to large employers. Our fee is 3.5% of deal value on transactions near $10 million.
Clariant Reports Third Quarter Sales of 968.8m Swiss Francs as Chemical Makers Watch Oil Costs
Falling oil prices could ease input costs for chemical makers and airlines. Manufacturers and logistics firms are looking for finance, factory space and partners.
HPC places manufacturers and logistics investors into industrial projects and arranges the joint venture or lease terms. We charge a 2.5% success fee on deals of around $100 million.
Oil Plunges About 7% in Its Biggest Daily Drop in Three Months on Hopes of an Iran Deal
Energy shares fell sharply, with CNOOC down 2.3% in Hong Kong, though oil edged up in Asia after a report of the US strike on Qeshm Island. Developers of power, solar and fuel projects are lining up money and buyers.
HPC introduces equity and debt providers to project sponsors and negotiates offtake and financing terms. Our success fee is 2% on projects of about $250 million.
Companies Tighten Rules on Disclosure, Tax and Governance as Regulators Watch Closely
With markets jumpy and big deals and share sales landing, firms need clear advice on reporting, tax and governance rules.
HPC brokers the acquisition of, and partnerships with, compliance, regtech and legal services providers. We earn a 3% success fee on deals of around $20 million.
Marvell Agrees an All Stock Deal for Lumentum as Oracle Prices a $10 Billion Share Sale
Shares in both companies in the Marvell deal fell, and Oracle is reportedly pricing its $10 billion share sale at an 11% discount. Companies, banks and funds are weighing deals, listings and exits.
HPC sources targets, qualifies buyers and manages the process from first introduction to signing. Our fee is 2% of enterprise value on transactions of about $300 million.
Companies Are Beating Earnings Forecasts by Only 1.4%, Far Below the Usual 7.5%
FactSet's analysis shows the weak beat is almost entirely down to disappointing reports from Meta and Alphabet, even though overall profit growth is still about 30%. Brands and retailers want clear data on what shoppers are buying and why.
HPC brokers acquisitions and licensing arrangements between analytics providers and enterprise buyers. We take a 3.5% success fee on deals near $15 million.
Broadcasters, streamers and creators are looking for money and partners to reach bigger audiences across Asia and beyond.
HPC arranges equity investments, content licensing and merger transactions for media businesses. Our success fee is 3% on deals of about $25 million.
Developers Seek Land, Partners and Long Term Funding as Borrowing Costs Stay High
With rates rising in places like Australia and bond yields elevated, developers and investors are looking for land, joint venture partners and patient funding for housing, logistics and mixed use schemes.
HPC connects developers with funders, landowners and offtake partners, and structures the joint ventures. We take a 2% success fee on projects of around $80 million.
With the Nasdaq 100 down 10% from its peak, startups are looking for their next funding round or a smart exit.
HPC brokers funding rounds and acquisitions between startups and investors. Our fee is 3% of capital raised on rounds of about $20 million.
Chip Stocks Extend a Three Day Rout to 12% as the Nasdaq 100 Falls Into a Correction
Korea's Kospi dropped more than 3% on Tuesday as SK hynix and Samsung fell around 4%, while Pershing Square said Big Tech's $740 billion of capital spending is offensive rather than defensive. Data centre firms, chipmakers and cloud providers are looking for money and anchor customers.
HPC brokers capacity deals, joint ventures and infrastructure financings between operators and investors. Our success fee is 2.5% on transactions of about $200 million.
Marriott and Lufthansa Report as Falling Oil Offers Relief to Airlines
Lufthansa's third quarter revenue was 12.24 billion euros and Marriott reports today, while a sharp fall in oil prices could ease fuel costs. Hotels, airlines and tour operators are looking for fresh capital, new partners and buyers.
HPC arranges sales, recapitalisations and management agreements for hospitality assets. We take a 3% success fee on deals of around $40 million.