International Dealmaking

France, Laos
EDF ready to compete with China in Laos energy battle

France, Saudi Arabia
Saudi's PIF imposes tough terms for partnerships with foreign investment firms

Foreign investment companies, and especially French ones, have been flocking to Riyadh in recent months in an attempt to attract Saudi funding for their projects. But some of them are holding off on partnerships because of the terms imposed on them by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund.

China
Real estate giants brace for clampdown as anti-graft body set to tighten screws

After reining in China's banks, Xi Jinping wants to promote a new model for property development. To avoid the president's wrath, the sector's big players are racing to polish their halos by cutting salaries and bonuses.

Bulgaria, United States
Russia's Lukoil refinery sale negotiations progress with backing from ex-Bulgarian PM

At the heart of Bulgaria's attempts to distance itself from Russia, Lukoil's refinery in the country is the focus of intense interest. Sources say the former Bulgarian prime minister is working to acquire the refinery with the backing of a US asset management firm.