November 8, 2006

Welcome to the Hoover's APAC 50, a monthly list of the companies in the Asia-Pacific region that are most searched on Hoover's. Derived by tracking the search requests of Hoover's subscribers, the Hoover's APAC 50 provides insight on which companies are being watched most closely by corporate executives, as well as sales, marketing, and business development professionals, who represent a large portion of Hoover's customers.

The news behind the biggest movers on this month's Hoover's APAC 50 runs the gamut from acquisitions to spin-offs.

Brambles Industries DLC Group (From #61 to #44)

In 2005 Brambles Industries DLC Group found itself in a business thicket, and decided to hack its way free by simplifying its operations. In October, the Australia-based company completed the sell-off of its Cleanaway businesses, which provide waste management services in the U.K. and the Pacific Rim. Thanks to these and other divestments -- which hived off about 40% of the company's 2005 revenue base -- Brambles can now focus on its two remaining businesses, CHEP and Recall, both of which operate throughout the world. CHEP leases and distributes shipping pallets, while Recall offers document management services.
News | Financials

Macquarie Bank Limited (From #58 to #43)

Macquarie Bank isn't a household name in the U.S. -- yet -- but the Australia-based financial house is continuing its aggressive worldwide program of acquisitions. In October, a Macquarie-led investment group locked up a deal to acquire U.K.-based Thames Water from the German utility conglomerate RWE. The deal, which is valued at $14.8 billion, tops Macquarie's earlier agreement to spend $860 million for U.S.-based water utility Aquarion. These purchases fit in with Macquarie's overall approach of creating publicly traded investment funds with extensive holdings in energy, infrastructure, and utilities.
News | Financials