Australian watchdog deals blow to $6.5 bln Asciano bid: Reuters

Australia's antitrust watchdog on Thursday raised fresh concerns about a planned A$9.1 billion (US$6.5 billion) takeover of rail and port giant Asciano Ltd, potentially forcing the Canadian-led buyout consortium to restructure the deal, Reuters reported. The buyout group, led by Canada's Brookfield Asset Management and including investors from China, the Middle East and Australia, may have to appease the regulator by offering to sell some assets. Brookfield struck a deal in March with Australian stevedoring company Qube Holdings Ltd to acquire Asciano and divide its ports and railways businesses among participating investors.

DealsCanadaNorth AmericaBriefs