International publications
The 2008 global growth markets guide
Running a market for growth companies is becoming an increasingly competitive business, as well as challenging in the present economic climate. The global growth markets guide reveals that the well established markets, AIM and NASDAQ, remain the best markets on which to raise funds. Both were able to attract large numbers of new listings to buoy their market capitalisation and are much less volatile than their newer rivals, which is reassuring to investors and companies. The report also confirms, at their current level of performance, there are exciting prospects ahead, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. Junior markets in Asia have begun closing the gap and can offer impressive liquidity.
The latest report analyses the performance of the eight largest and most important stock markets in the world competing to list growth company stocks throughout 2007. The guide also compares the performance of the 40 global growth markets competing to list growth company stocks based on their 2007 performance. Insight into key countries such as Brazil, France, Thailand, South Africa, UK and the US is also included.
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Middle East capital markets guide 2008
This guide reveals that capital markets in the Middle East are going through a period of unprecedented change due to high oil prices and heavy public sector spending. In response to these conditions, Middle Eastern stock exchanges are growing in size and complexity, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council states. The region is also seeing considerable inflows of capital and expertise as investors in other parts of the world seek to profit from its strong growth opportunities. This is not only contributing to capital markets expansion, but also to a rapidly increasing financial sophistication.
The report also confirms capital markets of the Middle East clearly have great potential for further growth. The ongoing evolution of Islamic finance is a central element of growth - as is heavy government involvement in the development of capital market infrastructures.
Now in its second year, the Middle East markets guide compares the performances of the region’s major stock exchanges and reviews the key themes of change sweeping through the region. Insight into four key Middle Eastern markets - Bahrain, Dubai, Egypt and Saudi Arabia is also included.
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2007 Middle East capital markets guide
The liquidity generated from increased oil prices and the fertility of investment opportunities have attracted both regional and international investors to Middle East stock markets. The region has seen exponential growth over the past few years. Many new companies have been listed or are planning to list in the near future. The gradual acceptance of the need for greater transparency and improved corporate governance by businesses in the region is also helping to develop the region's stock markets.
The Middle East markets guide analyses the performance of 14 Middle East markets with a combined capitalisation of US$869bn. It also includes listing information and commentary on the development of markets in the region.
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The 2008 Asia Pacific capital markets guide
China and India, the economic superpowers emerging from the Asia Pacific region, will shift the balance of world capital flows, both creating demand for capital and providing investment funds to satisfy it. As the economies and markets in the region have deregulated, the opportunities for entrepreneurs and established businesses have grown exponentially.
The report highlights some eye catching results, most notably that the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) is leading growth in the Asia-Pacific region. The average total market capitalisation of the SSE grew 350 per cent from 2006 to 2007.
The 2008 Asia Pacific capital markets guide compares the performance of the 21 largest stock exchanges in the Asia Pacific region between 2005 and 2007. This guide is part of a series of capital markets guides that Grant Thornton International has compiled over the last seven years, tracking the emergence and development of these markets.
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2008 International Business Report (IBR) mergers and acquisitions (M&A) report
According to the International Business Report, produced by Grant Thornton International, despite the current turbulence in the world financial markets, 44 per cent of privately held businesses (PHBs) globally are planning to grow through acquisition in the next three years and 23 per cent of those businesses anticipate a cross border deal. PHBs see domestic and international M&A as a key strategic tool to drive growth.
The 2008 IBR M&A report explores the perceptions of privately held businesses and in particular their plans to undertake domestic or cross border M&A transactions over the next three years.
The data generated include some eye-catching results. Most notable are the differences in regional attitudes towards M&A helping to reinforce the view that, international capability in mid-market activity is becoming increasingly relevant and that mid-market M&A volumes have remained historically robust.
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Mergers and acquisitions - international overview
Once the preserve of local deals, the mid-market is now an engine for growth in cross border transactions that are increasingly the norm in both acquisition and disposals activity. Entrepreneurial businesses have ever higher expectations of their advisers, demanding the ability to deliver ideas, expertise, relationships and resources in a seamless manner throughout the world's major corporate centres.
The unique value proposition of Grant Thornton member firms is one which combines excellent local delivery with the knowledge and reach provided by a highly active international network and a shared determination to continue to develop and invest in growing their capabilities for the future.
The mergers and acquisitions - international overview profiles a selection of the work completed by corporate finance teams from Grant Thornton member firms around the world.
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Transfer pricing brochure
Transfer pricing is an increasingly complex issue facing international businesses, as more countries are recognising the importance of the issue and are developing their transfer pricing laws.
The global transfer pricing brochure features information about the various transfer pricing services offered by Grant Thornton member firms around the world. It also incorporates client case studies from around the world, demonstrating Grant Thornton International's global reach.
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Expatriate tax brochure
Working in another country can be very complex and employers and employees aline need professional advice. Expatriate tax specialists from Grant Thornton member firms provide expert advice and services for both companies and individuals. They work with their clients to ensure that the pitfalls associated with working abroad are avoided and that all appropriate planning opportunities are implemented effectively.
The expatriate tax brochure features information on the range of services offered by Grant Thornton member firms around the world.
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Vision of international CEOs
Not all vision statements are clear and to the point. This one is. It comes from the CEOs of the international audit networks and looks at the global capital markets and the global economy.
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