Deal Desk
M&A deals, 16 October 2026
· 4 deals
Our view: buyers, from infrastructure funds to specialist software consolidators, strategic competitors and category leaders, are paying for assets with a clear regional footprint, defensible niche strength or market leadership, so founders should prepare each business to be diligenced and valued on its own merits.
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Singapore · Ports and logistics infrastructure
A.P. Moller Capital agrees to acquire Singapore port operator Portek International from Mitsui
A.P. Moller Capital, through its Emerging Markets Infrastructure Fund II, has agreed to acquire 100% of Singapore-based cargo ports operator Portek International from Mitsui & Co., with completion subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory and other third-party approvals. Portek holds interests in seven port terminals in Algeria, Gabon, Indonesia, Latvia, Malta and Vietnam and employs approximately 1,400 people.
The Growth Alliance Capital view
infrastructure funds are still buying Singapore-headquartered operators whose assets sit across emerging markets, so a regional footprint run from Singapore is something buyers will pay for. Founders of Singapore holding companies with overseas operations should make sure each asset can be valued and diligenced on its own, because that is how specialist funds underwrite.
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Singapore · Engineering software
Datacor acquires Singapore separator simulation software company MySep
Datacor, a Florham Park, New Jersey software company, has acquired MySep, the Singapore-headquartered developer of the MySep Studio and MySep Engine separator simulation software used across oil and gas, LNG, refining and petrochemicals. MySep was founded in 2013, and Datacor said the acquisition strengthens its presence in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
The Growth Alliance Capital view
a US software consolidator buying a niche Singapore technical software firm shows that owning deep intellectual property in a narrow vertical can be enough to attract a global strategic buyer, regardless of the company's size. Founders of specialist B2B software businesses in Southeast Asia should expect buy-and-build platforms to be among their most active buyers, and they get the most from that interest by documenting their IP and their recurring revenue.
Source: Datacor
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Asia · Jewellery retail · Up to Rs 1,033.71 crore
GRT Jewellers to acquire 74.12% controlling stake in Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri
Chennai-based GRT Jewellers India has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire a 74.12% stake in Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Ltd from its promoters for up to Rs 1,033.71 crore, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. After completion, GRT will launch an open offer for around 26% of TBZ's equity in line with Sebi regulations.
The Growth Alliance Capital view
here a family promoter sold control of a listed company to a regional competitor in the same sector, so succession is producing outright change-of-control sales in Asian consumer retail, not just minority sell-downs. Founder families in Singapore and Southeast Asia weighing succession should note that a strategic buyer from the same sector is often the one willing to pay for control.
Source: Business Today
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Global · Consumer internet
The Knot Worldwide agrees to acquire wedding platform Zola
The Knot Worldwide, owned by investment firm Permira, has agreed to buy smaller peer Zola, which will continue as a standalone brand and become The Knot's 14th brand, according to two people familiar with the deal cited by Reuters. Financial terms were not immediately available, and the deal is subject to customary closing conditions including any required regulatory clearances.
The Growth Alliance Capital view
a private equity-owned category leader buying its closest venture-backed rival is the classic late-stage way out for startups once growth capital becomes harder to raise. Venture-backed founders in Southeast Asia should treat the largest incumbent in their category as a likely buyer and plan for competition review when the two businesses overlap heavily.
Source: The Star (Reuters)
Deal Desk summarises publicly announced transactions from the sources linked. "The Growth Alliance Capital view" is our opinion, not investment advice, and implies no involvement in any transaction mentioned.