Major equity firms such as Carlyle, Pantheon and Victoria are setting up shop in Peru and Colombia. Three major private equity firms are opening up offices in the emerging markets of Peru and Colombia to ride the crest of deals that rate higher than the economic growth of Brazil.

MRI International Inc is now under investigation for false information and misleading clients not only in Japan but in the US as well.

Petromoc is mulling on IPO options as to venue and value. The Mozambique state owned distributor of petroleum products, Petroleos de Mocambique SA, is in the process of reviewing the possibility of an initial public offer of its shares either in South Africa or Europe.

BBVA's AT1 bond issue is expected to be the first of many of its kind under the new Capital Requirements Regulation in Europe.

PT Mitra Pinasthika Mustika, which is owned by Saratoga Investama Sedaya holds IPOs for its firms. Automotive distribution conglomerate PT Mitra Pinasthika Mustika of Indonesia is planning to raise about 2 trillion rupiah or US$206 million through an initial public offering in May.

AgBank of China to issue 90 billion yuan worth of bonds. The Agricultural Bank of China Ltd will be issuing 90 billion yuan or US$14. 59 billion worth of bonds that are eligible for regulatory capital treatment.

H&M is set to open new stores to address market demand in growing markets. Hennes & Mauritz is planning to spend about Eur100 million to establish around 50 stores in India.

Russia's Merchel Steel has halted the offer for sales of its assets. Russian steel firm Mechel has withdrawn its offer to sell off 25% of its mining division due to tepid market conditions.

A total of 27 million shares would be sold off to allow the exit of Cinven and Warburg Pincus from Ziggo, the cable firm.

ING Groep NV, in its move to cut back operations, sells off custody services in several central and eastern European countries.