Japan-based Secured Capital, the real estate arm of private equity firm PAG, raised USD1.5 billion to invest in real estate and debt opportunities in Asia.

Hedge funds including Philippe Laffont's Coatue Management and Patrick McCormack's Tiger Consumer Management both opened stakes in Pandora of about 1.1 million and 2.9 million shares, respectively, U.S Securities and Exchange Commission filings showed.

The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals were reported on Thursday including Sigma Alimentos, Fastjet, Rostelecom, DNB, Caixabank, Cyfrowy Polsat, America Movil, Alitalia, Telecom Italia.

Airline firm Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd said it plans to raise USD350 million in capital to enhance its liquidity by offering new shares to its existing shareholders.

Brisbane-based veterinary giant Greencross announced its intention to buy pet retail chain Mammoth Pet Holdings in an acquisition deal that is valued at USD330 million.

The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals were reported on Wednesday including BNP Paribas, Facebook, Crocs, VTB Capital and Flybe Group.

Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory is now the subject of a three way battle as bidders Bega Cheese, Saputo and Murray Goulburn all seek to be the owner of the manufacturer of brands such as Sungold Milk and Great Ocean cheese.

Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co Ltd, the second-biggest shareholder in Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Co Holdings Ltd, raised its takeover offer for the Australian dairy company to A$505 million ($470 million), trumping Canada's Saputo Inc's bid.

Australian diversified company Abacus Property Group raised USD75 million in a share sale, the proceeds of which would be used to more properties in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.

Canadian company Saputo Inc's AUD449 million offer for Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Holdings Ltd. has been recommended by the WCB board and subsequently approved by the Australian government.