Singapore Shipping Line NOL a Takeover Target?
Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) may be shaping up as a takeover candidate, a report in Bloomberg said. The appeal of the shipping company that helped cement Singapore's status as a global trade hub has increased after it agreed to sell its logistics unit last month for US$1.2 billion to cut debt. Possibility of a sale may help Temasek Holdings Pte, the Singapore state's Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) that controls Neptune Orient, bolster returns. The $1.8 billion container line’s natural partner would be Orient Overseas International Ltd., controlled by the family of Hong Kong’s first post-colonial leader, according to Credit Suisse Group AG. Analysts project the company, which moves goods globally, will benefit from the U.S.
Vinashin Misses Payment, Plans Review
According to a Bloomberg report, Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Group (Vinashin), plans to present a KPMG LLP report on its business to creditors by mid-year after it missed a payment on a bank loan. Vinashin reportedly received a $600m loan in 2007 from banks led by Credit Suisse Group AG that paid higher interest than the London interbank offered rate, according to Bloomberg. While it made a $6.8 million interest payment on Dec. 23, the company reportedly missed a Dec. 20 deadline to make a $60m payment. (Bloomberg)