Minnesota-based developer CSM Corp bought the historical building in downtown Phoenix, Hotel Monroe in a deal valued at $7.85 million, according to a commercial real estate research firm.

The UK government is mulling on rule changes that would make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to obtain funding from alternative financiers and new banks.

The number of internet cafés in China has decreased, a collateral damage to China's bid to go online as smartphones and tablet devices grow in popularity, a Financial Times report said.

Sources said Japan is preparing to introduce guidelines for institutional investors known as the Japanese Stewardship Code, which would improve returns, transparency and corporate governance, Reuters reported.

Financial data from Mergermarket indicated an increasing influence of local buyout firms in South Korea, thanks largely to the support of the national government by relaxing regulations, a Financial Times report said.

China-based construction equipment manufacturer Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co has bought Germany-based dry mortar equipment producer M-Tec, according to a statement on the company's website.

High-profile Chinese multimillionaire Chen Guangbiao said he plans to invest in the green energy industry of Taiwan next year, and to tap into the country's solar energy market.

The Fair Trade Commission of Taiwan slapped a TW$20 million fine on Apple Inc for violating the country's fair trade laws when it restricted the prices of local telecom carriers for iPhone contracts.

Bankers expressed their doubts that Royal Dutch Shell's 23.1% stake in Woodside Petroleum could be snatched up by bigger oil companies as the latter are also eyeing to sell assets as well.

Toshiba Corp is presently still in talks to buy a 50% stake in Britain-based NuGen nuclear consortium although the involved parties have yet to reach a deal, according to Toshiba Chief Executive Officer Hisao Tanaka.