In a meeting of the Oregon Investment Council yesterday, it was revealed that Lone Star Funds founder and Chairman John Grayken bet USD330 million of his money to the company's new commercial property fund.

On Thursday, BlackRock Inc would be debuting its a new short-maturity bond ETF on the BATS Global Markets.

According to a Reuters report, Lixil Group Corp Chief Executive Yoshiaki Fujimori said that his company had reached a basic agreement to buy bathroom equipment maker Grohe for JPY400 billion or USD4.05 billion from its owners.

State-backed Petroamazonas had proposed to 31 companies who were willing to partner up with the oil company and aid in boosting oil production.

British private equity firm Doughty Hanson said in its statement on Wednesday that it had sold 20.9% of its shares in cable equipment maker HellermannTyton for GBP119 million or USD191.21 million.

One Thousand & One Voices formed its private equity team to run its office in Johannesburg. Private equity fund One Thousand & One Voices announced the hiring of three former executives of Standard Bank Group Ltd to run its office in Johannesburg.

French financial newspaper Les Echos said on its report Wednesday that French construction and concessions company Vinci was considering of selling its parking concession business to generate funds for future acquisitions.

CI Financial acquired the majority stake in Marret Asset, with an option to purchase the remained after three years.

Because of the increase in fines and penalties payable for the second half of 2013, JPMorgan Chase's share repurchase plan may be put on hold.

Prem Watsa, the Canadian Warren Buffett, expressed confidence as to his consortium's bid for the floundering Canadian smartphone maker.