HSBC snaps up Axa Singapore assets for $575 mln in Asia expansion

HSBC Holdings (HSBA.L) has agreed to acquire French insurer Axa’s (AXAF.PA) Singapore assets for $575 million, part of its strategy of scaling up its wealth-management business in Asia to boost fee income.
St. Modwen accepts Blackstone’s raised $1.75 bln take-private offer

Housebuilder and logistics firm St. Modwen Properties (SMP.L) said on Thursday it has agreed to a sweetened 1.25 billion pounds ($1.75 billion) offer from U.S. private equity firm Blackstone (BX.N) to take it private.