The world’s largest utility operation – State Grid Corporation of China – is reportedly eyeing a 42 per cent stake in NZ”s second-largest electricity and gas distribution company Powerco. The stake is said to be worth more than $450m. Hong Kong’s richest man Li Ka-shing – whose company owns Wellington Electricity Lines  – walked away from a proposed bid early …

James Hardie Industries, the Australian building products company, has halted trading in its ASX-listed shares pending an announcement over legal action by New Zealand’s Ministry of Education. The company requested the halt until it makes an announcement later today, it said in a statement to the ASX. The shares last traded at A$9.77 on the Australian stock market. “The company …

Tim Groser will make a strong – but indirect – plug for the right person to be appointed to the top job in global trade when he heads to Surabaya, Indonesia tomorrow for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers’ meeting. Groser’s message is – “It is crucial to the success of the WTO’s mission that its members choose a …