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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Industrials: S&T Holdings, Marubeni Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Regarding the Six KRX Sector Names that Ran Ahead of Friday’s Official Review Drop
  • Marubeni Corporation (TSE: 8002) – Copper Torque, Platform Pivot, and Cash Returns


Regarding the Six KRX Sector Names that Ran Ahead of Friday’s Official Review Drop

By Sanghyun Park

  • Six names stood out with simultaneous volume spikes and sharp pops last Friday; all Semis and Autos additions with big passive impact, while all others showed no tape action.
  • Results likely leaked early, prompting front-running on Semis and Autos adds—high passive impact names—causing Friday’s sharp volume and price spikes.
  • Early movers are mostly priced in; Thursday momentum plays still work, but Monday–Thursday morning requires caution. Focus on volume-driven flows before loading positions, long-short basket viable for other passive-impact names.

Marubeni Corporation (TSE: 8002) – Copper Torque, Platform Pivot, and Cash Returns

By Rahul Jain

  • Marubeni is a top-five Japanese trading house, diversified across resources, food, leasing, power, and chemicals.
  • Management is deploying ~¥1.2tn capex through FY30, tilted toward copper expansion in Chile and renewables growth.
  • Shares trade at ~11x P/E and 7–8% FCF yield with ~5% cash return yield, offering value on dips below ¥3,000.

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Daily Brief Health Care: Hangzhou Kangji Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., Blue Jet Healthcare Ltd, Myungin Pharmaceutical, Shanghai MicroPort MedBot Group and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • Merger Arb Mondays (08 Sep) – Kangji, OneConnect, Ashimori, Pacific Ind, RPM, Santos, Zeekr
  • Blue Jet Healthcare: Pureplay Intermediates CDMO. Recent Correction Overdone, Good for Fresh Bet
  • Myungin Pharm Pre-IPO: Discount to Peers; Potential Succession Planning
  • MicroPort MedBot (2252 HK): Overseas Markets Shine; Tuomai Drives Growth; Losses Narrow in 1H25



Blue Jet Healthcare: Pureplay Intermediates CDMO. Recent Correction Overdone, Good for Fresh Bet

By Himanshu Dugar

  • BLUEJET is a pure-play API/CDMO with strong positioning in contrast media intermediates. Further, it has demonstrated R&D and execution capabilities by commercialising 15+ molecules (oncology, CVS, CNS) under CDMO model.
  • Its share price has corrected by ~35% since July end, after below expectation June quarter results exacerbated by weak export data amid tariff concerns. However, August numbers alleviated some concerns.
  • Shares now trade at 30x FY26 PE, the lower end of 30-60x range where peers currently trade at. Company has high visibility for 20+% earnings growth for the medium term.

Myungin Pharm Pre-IPO: Discount to Peers; Potential Succession Planning

By Nicholas Tan

  • Myungin Pharmaceutical (MYUNGIN KS) is looking to raise up to US$142m in its upcoming Korean IPO.
  • It specializes in central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics and boasts an extensive product line-up of over 200 CNS products. 
  • In this note, we examine the IPO dynamics, and look at the firm’s valuation.

MicroPort MedBot (2252 HK): Overseas Markets Shine; Tuomai Drives Growth; Losses Narrow in 1H25

By Tina Banerjee

  • Shanghai MicroPort MedBot Group (2252 HK) recorded 1H25 revenue of RMB 176M, up 77% YoY driven by rapid expansion of commercialization of multiple products. Overseas market sales grew 189% YoY.
  • Toumai Laparoscopic Surgical Robot continued to be the main growth driver securing new orders of 30+ units and achieving commercial installation of 22 units.
  • MedBot’s recent approvals of Toumai variants, technology advantages, diversified portfolio and commercialization strength place it at an inflection point, expected to be back in the black soon.

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Daily Brief Financials: Macquarie Group, Metaplanet, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Banco De Sabadell SA and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Relative Value Opportunities in Asia-Pac, Pair Trade Roundup (8 Sep)
  • ECM Weekly (8 September 2025)- Metaplanet, Lifedrink, Koei, Hesai, Orion, Myungin, Hesai, Chery
  • Bank of Queensland (BOQ AU) Vs. CBA (CBA AU): Quant-Driven Pair Trade Following Potential Overshoot
  • BBVA-Sabadell: Deal Launches Underwater, Arbitrage Still Asymmetric


Relative Value Opportunities in Asia-Pac, Pair Trade Roundup (8 Sep)

By Gaudenz Schneider

  • Context: This Insight follows up on previously highlighted relative value opportunities, using a statistical methodology based on mean-reversion to identify opportunities in paired securities.
  • Highlights: Currently six pair trade opportunities across three markets and four sectors persist.
  • Why read: Statistical analysis offers a unique perspective on relative value. Gain insights into actionable statistical pair trade opportunities and monitor performance of previously highlighted pairs.

ECM Weekly (8 September 2025)- Metaplanet, Lifedrink, Koei, Hesai, Orion, Myungin, Hesai, Chery

By Sumeet Singh

  • Aequitas Research’s weekly update on the IPOs, placements, lockup expiry and other ECM linked events that were covered by the team over the past week.
  • On the IPO front,  a few US$1bn+ IPOs are said to be looking to launch later this month, across regions.
  • On the placements front, deals continue to flow through as the market remains receptive. 

Bank of Queensland (BOQ AU) Vs. CBA (CBA AU): Quant-Driven Pair Trade Following Potential Overshoot

By Gaudenz Schneider


BBVA-Sabadell: Deal Launches Underwater, Arbitrage Still Asymmetric

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • BBVA’s bid goes live on 8 Sept, but a –8.71% spread and poor optics keep tactical long SAB / short BBVA trades attractive.
  • Sabadell continues to boost standalone appeal via dividends, TSB sale, and strategic capital returns, reducing shareholder incentive to tender at current terms.
  • Legal overhang and merger restrictions extend into 2028, capping synergies and reinforcing the asymmetry in event-driven positioning ahead of potential bid adjustments.

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Most Read: POSCO Holdings, Caliway Biopharmaceuticals, Gemvax & Kael, Tuas Ltd, S&T Holdings, Chery Automobile, Macquarie Group, Hangzhou Kangji Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., Kotak Mahindra Bank, Shibaura Electronics and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • POSCO: Reviewing a Potential M&A of HMM
  • Taiwan Top 50 ETF Rebalance: Another Inclusion for Caliway Biopharma & King Slide
  • KRX September Sector Index Review Finalized: Passive Impact Read
  • S&P/​​​​ASX Index Rebalance (Sep 2025): New Methodology & The Many Changes
  • Regarding the Six KRX Sector Names that Ran Ahead of Friday’s Official Review Drop
  • Chery Automobile IPO: The Bull Case
  • Relative Value Opportunities in Asia-Pac, Pair Trade Roundup (8 Sep)
  • Merger Arb Mondays (08 Sep) – Kangji, OneConnect, Ashimori, Pacific Ind, RPM, Santos, Zeekr
  • Long Kotak Mahindra (KMB IN) Vs. Short Bajaj Finance (BAF IN): Statistical Arbitrage in Indian Banks
  • (Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: Peak Rare Earths, Yutaka Giken, Shibaura, Johns Lyng, Ainsworth, Ashimori


POSCO: Reviewing a Potential M&A of HMM

By Douglas Kim

  • The biggest potential M&A event right now in Korea is the potential acquisition of HMM Co., Ltd. (011200 KS) by POSCO Holdings (005490 KS).
  • Overall, we believe there is a higher probability of POSCO backing out of this potential acquisition of HMM, rather than POSCO completing this M&A deal.
  • Although POSCO claims that it spends about 3 trillion won annually on logistics, the actual synergies among these three businesses (steel, rechargeable battery, and logistics) remain murky.

Taiwan Top 50 ETF Rebalance: Another Inclusion for Caliway Biopharma & King Slide

By Brian Freitas


KRX September Sector Index Review Finalized: Passive Impact Read

By Sanghyun Park

  • KRX dropped its September sector rejig post-close: only Semis (₩0.96T), Autos (₩0.51T), and Healthcare (₩0.31T) matter. Lineup below.
  • AUM-Wise, Semis was key. September TMI reshuffle saw light additions, heavy deletions; otherwise, results largely matched earlier forecasts.
  • TMI reshuffle flew under the radar with little pre-positioning; ETF rebalances next Thursday could trigger notable price moves — consider long/short baskets on high-impact names.

S&P/​​​​ASX Index Rebalance (Sep 2025): New Methodology & The Many Changes

By Brian Freitas

  • There is 1 change for the S&P/ASX50 Index, 3 changes for the S&P/ASX100 Index, 9 changes for the S&P/ASX200 (AS51 INDEX) and 17 adds/ 12 deletes for the S&P/ASX300 Index.
  • Some of the index changes will also have same way flows from trackers of other global and sector indices on the same day.
  • The adds have outperformed the deletes across all indices and performance has been especially strong for the S&P/ASX100 Index and S&P/ASX300 Index changes.

Regarding the Six KRX Sector Names that Ran Ahead of Friday’s Official Review Drop

By Sanghyun Park

  • Six names stood out with simultaneous volume spikes and sharp pops last Friday; all Semis and Autos additions with big passive impact, while all others showed no tape action.
  • Results likely leaked early, prompting front-running on Semis and Autos adds—high passive impact names—causing Friday’s sharp volume and price spikes.
  • Early movers are mostly priced in; Thursday momentum plays still work, but Monday–Thursday morning requires caution. Focus on volume-driven flows before loading positions, long-short basket viable for other passive-impact names.

Chery Automobile IPO: The Bull Case

By Arun George

  • Chery Automobile (CH3456 CH), a Chinese automobile manufacturer, has secured HKEx listing approval for a US$1.5-2.0 billion IPO.
  • Chery is the second largest Chinese domestic brand passenger vehicle company, and the 11th largest passenger vehicle company globally. 
  • The bull case rests on market share gains, encouraging NEV segmental performance, good margin profile and cash generation.

Relative Value Opportunities in Asia-Pac, Pair Trade Roundup (8 Sep)

By Gaudenz Schneider

  • Context: This Insight follows up on previously highlighted relative value opportunities, using a statistical methodology based on mean-reversion to identify opportunities in paired securities.
  • Highlights: Currently six pair trade opportunities across three markets and four sectors persist.
  • Why read: Statistical analysis offers a unique perspective on relative value. Gain insights into actionable statistical pair trade opportunities and monitor performance of previously highlighted pairs.


Long Kotak Mahindra (KMB IN) Vs. Short Bajaj Finance (BAF IN): Statistical Arbitrage in Indian Banks

By Gaudenz Schneider

  • Context: The Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB IN) vs. Bajaj Finance (BAF IN) price-ratio has deviated more than two standard deviations from its one-year average, presenting a potential relative value opportunity.
  • Highlights: Going long Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB IN) and short Bajaj Finance (BAF IN) targets a 9% return, with the long position supported by cheaper valuations.
  • Why Read: Essential for quantitative traders seeking mean-reversion opportunities, with detailed execution framework, risk management protocols, and historical simulation showing the statistical basis for this relative value play.

(Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: Peak Rare Earths, Yutaka Giken, Shibaura, Johns Lyng, Ainsworth, Ashimori

By David Blennerhassett


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Daily Brief Australia: Tuas Ltd, Macquarie Group, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Iron Ore and more

By | Australia, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • S&P/​​​​ASX Index Rebalance (Sep 2025): New Methodology & The Many Changes
  • Relative Value Opportunities in Asia-Pac, Pair Trade Roundup (8 Sep)
  • Bank of Queensland (BOQ AU) Vs. CBA (CBA AU): Quant-Driven Pair Trade Following Potential Overshoot
  • Iron Ore At 105 USD/Ton: Sweet Spot for Fenix Resources (FEX AU)


S&P/​​​​ASX Index Rebalance (Sep 2025): New Methodology & The Many Changes

By Brian Freitas

  • There is 1 change for the S&P/ASX50 Index, 3 changes for the S&P/ASX100 Index, 9 changes for the S&P/ASX200 (AS51 INDEX) and 17 adds/ 12 deletes for the S&P/ASX300 Index.
  • Some of the index changes will also have same way flows from trackers of other global and sector indices on the same day.
  • The adds have outperformed the deletes across all indices and performance has been especially strong for the S&P/ASX100 Index and S&P/ASX300 Index changes.

Relative Value Opportunities in Asia-Pac, Pair Trade Roundup (8 Sep)

By Gaudenz Schneider

  • Context: This Insight follows up on previously highlighted relative value opportunities, using a statistical methodology based on mean-reversion to identify opportunities in paired securities.
  • Highlights: Currently six pair trade opportunities across three markets and four sectors persist.
  • Why read: Statistical analysis offers a unique perspective on relative value. Gain insights into actionable statistical pair trade opportunities and monitor performance of previously highlighted pairs.

Bank of Queensland (BOQ AU) Vs. CBA (CBA AU): Quant-Driven Pair Trade Following Potential Overshoot

By Gaudenz Schneider


Iron Ore At 105 USD/Ton: Sweet Spot for Fenix Resources (FEX AU)

By Sameer Taneja


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Daily Brief Quantitative Analysis: HK Short Interest Weekly: China Hongqiao and more

By | Daily Briefs, Quantitative Analysis

In today’s briefing:

  • HK Short Interest Weekly: China Hongqiao, Xiaomi, Meituan, Hua Hong Semiconductor
  • A-H Premium Weekly (Sep 5th): China Zheshang Bank, China Communications Construction, Goldwind
  • TWSE Foreign Holding Weekly (Aug 29th): TSMC, Hon Hai Precision, Delta Electronics, Quanta Computer
  • KRX Foreign Holding Weekly (Sep 5th): SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, NAVER, HYUNDAI ROTEM, Mobis
  • Bursa Short Interest Weekly (Sep 5th): Sime Darby, IJM, Telekom Malaysia, Icon Offshore, UEM Sunrise
  • HK Connect Flows Weekly (Sep 5th): Alibaba, Ping An Insurance, Xiaomi, Tencent, Pop Mart Intl
  • Thailand Short Interest Weekly (Sep 5th): Intouch, Kasikornbank, Bangkok Dusit, Supalai
  • TWSE Short Interest Weekly (Sep 5th): Jentech Precision Industrial, Wiwynn, Realtek Semiconductor


HK Short Interest Weekly: China Hongqiao, Xiaomi, Meituan, Hua Hong Semiconductor

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyzed the latest HK SFC report for aggregate short position as of Aug 29th.
  • Top short increases and decreases were tabulated for one week and four week period.
  • We highlight short changes in TraHK HSI ETF, China Hongqiao, Xiaomi, Meituan, Hua Hong Semiconductor, Horizon Robotics.

A-H Premium Weekly (Sep 5th): China Zheshang Bank, China Communications Construction, Goldwind

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyse the changes of A-H premium on 157 stocks over the last week. The average A-H premium was 60.1% as of Sep 5th.
  • The average A-H premium changed by -0.9ppt week-on-week, led by utilities, energy, health care and offset by real estate, consumer discretionary.
  • We highlight weekly changes in A-H premium for China Zheshang Bank, China Communications Construction, Goldwind, Weichai Power.

TWSE Foreign Holding Weekly (Aug 29th): TSMC, Hon Hai Precision, Delta Electronics, Quanta Computer

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyzed the changes in foreign holdings of TWSE Stocks as of Aug 29th. The aggregated holding was USD1,163.6bn.
  • We estimate that foreign flows to be inflows of USD428mln. We tabulate the league tables for top changes by value for 1W/4W/1Y and top stocks held by foreign institutions.
  • We highlight changes of foreign holdings in TSMC, Hon Hai Precision, Delta Electronics, Quanta Computer, Global Unichip, TSMC, Hon Hai Precision, Global Unichip, Delta Electronics, Quanta Computer.

KRX Foreign Holding Weekly (Sep 5th): SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, NAVER, HYUNDAI ROTEM, Mobis

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyzed the changes in foreign holdings of KRX stocks as of Sep 5th. The aggregated holding was USD644.3bn.
  • We estimate that foreign flows to be inflows of USD33mln. We tabulate the league table for top changes by value for 1W/4W/1Y and top stocks held by foreign institutions.
  • We highlight changes of foreign holdings in SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, NAVER, HYUNDAI ROTEM, Mobis.

Bursa Short Interest Weekly (Sep 5th): Sime Darby, IJM, Telekom Malaysia, Icon Offshore, UEM Sunrise

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyzed the changes in short interest of Bursa stocks as of Sep 5th. The aggregated short interest is USD368m.
  • We tabulate league tables for top short by value and short as multiple of ADT, as well as weekly increases & decreases in short value, short as multiple of ADT.
  • We highlight short interest changes in Sime Darby, IJM, Telekom Malaysia, Icon Offshore, UEM Sunrise.

HK Connect Flows Weekly (Sep 5th): Alibaba, Ping An Insurance, Xiaomi, Tencent, Pop Mart Intl

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyze the weekly Hong Kong Connect flows with our data engine for holding position as of September 5th.
  • The top stocks by inflows and outflows were tabulated for all market, HSCEI, mid cap and s/mid cap groups.
  • We highlight flows for Alibaba, Ping An Insurance, Xiaomi, Tencent, Pop Mart Intl, Shandong Gold Mining, Horizon Robotics, ZTE, China Hongqiao, Kuaishou.

Thailand Short Interest Weekly (Sep 5th): Intouch, Kasikornbank, Bangkok Dusit, Supalai

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyzed the changes in short interest of Stock Exchange of Thailand as of Sep 5th. We estimate that they had an aggregated short interest worth USD2.3bn.
  • We tabulate league tables for top short by value and short as multiple of ADT, as well as weekly increases & decreases in short value, short as multiple of ADT.
  • We highlight short interest changes in Intouch, Kasikornbank, Bangkok Dusit, Supalai, Advanced Info Service, Kasikornbank, Bangkok Dusit, Advanced Info Service, Supalai.

TWSE Short Interest Weekly (Sep 5th): Jentech Precision Industrial, Wiwynn, Realtek Semiconductor

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyzed the changes in short interest of TWSE Stocks as of Sep 5th. The aggregated short interest was USD25.8bn.
  • We tabulate league tables for top short by value and short as multiple of ADT, as well as weekly increases & decreases in short value, short as multiple of ADT.
  • We highlight short interest changes in Jentech Precision Industrial, Wiwynn, Realtek Semiconductor, Hon Hai Precision, Kaori Heat Treatment, Jentech Precision Industrial, Wiwynn, Realtek Semiconductor, Hon Hai Precision, Kaori Heat Treatment.

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Daily Brief ESG: Will Change to Annual Securities Report Improve in % of Female Managers and Gender Wage Gap? and more

By | Daily Briefs, ESG

In today’s briefing:

  • Will Change to Annual Securities Report Improve in % of Female Managers and Gender Wage Gap?


Will Change to Annual Securities Report Improve in % of Female Managers and Gender Wage Gap?

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Information regarding % of female managers and gender wage gap, which were previously required to be disclosed in annual securities reports, will move to the “Sustainability Philosophy and Initiatives” section.
  • This change in description will make issues such as % of female managers and gender wage gap more clear, thereby improving the inconsistencies with the company’s goals and policies.
  • Since disclosure of compensation incentives for employees other than board members will be required, this may encourage more companies to introduce compensation incentives for non-board members employees.

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Daily Brief South Korea: S&T Holdings, Myungin Pharmaceutical and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • Regarding the Six KRX Sector Names that Ran Ahead of Friday’s Official Review Drop
  • Myungin Pharm Pre-IPO: Discount to Peers; Potential Succession Planning


Regarding the Six KRX Sector Names that Ran Ahead of Friday’s Official Review Drop

By Sanghyun Park

  • Six names stood out with simultaneous volume spikes and sharp pops last Friday; all Semis and Autos additions with big passive impact, while all others showed no tape action.
  • Results likely leaked early, prompting front-running on Semis and Autos adds—high passive impact names—causing Friday’s sharp volume and price spikes.
  • Early movers are mostly priced in; Thursday momentum plays still work, but Monday–Thursday morning requires caution. Focus on volume-driven flows before loading positions, long-short basket viable for other passive-impact names.

Myungin Pharm Pre-IPO: Discount to Peers; Potential Succession Planning

By Nicholas Tan

  • Myungin Pharmaceutical (MYUNGIN KS) is looking to raise up to US$142m in its upcoming Korean IPO.
  • It specializes in central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics and boasts an extensive product line-up of over 200 CNS products. 
  • In this note, we examine the IPO dynamics, and look at the firm’s valuation.

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Daily Brief United States: Figma, Copper, TaskUs, Kraft Heinz Co and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • Figma (FIG.US): 2Q’FY25 Earnings Review. Strong Quarter, But Margins Will Contract In the Near Term
  • Copper All Set To Break 10k USD/Ton In The Short-Term
  • TaskUs Privatization Faces Opposition Amid Potential for Improved Offer and Valuation Discrepancies
  • Weekly Update (CON, HNZ, BRSL)


Figma (FIG.US): 2Q’FY25 Earnings Review. Strong Quarter, But Margins Will Contract In the Near Term

By Andrei Zakharov

  • California based Figma Inc. reported another strong quarter, but shares sold off over 20% given an early lockup release of some ~11.4M Class A shares.
  • I estimate ~$630M worth of Figma shares became eligible for sale on the second trading day immediately following public release of earnings for the 2Q’FY25.
  • I think selling pressure in Figma stock is expected to ease as valuation improved and VC shareholders agreed to extend their lockup with respect to ~54% of Class A shares.

Copper All Set To Break 10k USD/Ton In The Short-Term

By Sameer Taneja


TaskUs Privatization Faces Opposition Amid Potential for Improved Offer and Valuation Discrepancies

By Special Situation Investments

  • TaskUs is being privatized by Blackstone and founders at $16.50/share, opposed by activists and ISS, expecting improved offer.
  • TaskUs projects $75-$120 million free cash flow in 2025, potentially funding the buyout with minimal additional investment.
  • TaskUs specializes in premium BPO services, showing strong growth in Trust & Safety and AI Services segments, less vulnerable to automation.

Weekly Update (CON, HNZ, BRSL)

By Richard Howe

  • On September 2, 2025, Kraft Heinz (KHC) announced that it will be breaking up into two companies.
  • The news comes a decade after the infamous merger of two of the biggest names in packaged foods that was orchestrated by Warren Buffett and Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital Partners.
  • North American Grocery Co would encompass many of the traditional Kraft products.

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: Regarding the Six KRX Sector Names that Ran Ahead of Friday’s Official Review Drop and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • Regarding the Six KRX Sector Names that Ran Ahead of Friday’s Official Review Drop
  • Merger Arb Mondays (08 Sep) – Kangji, OneConnect, Ashimori, Pacific Ind, RPM, Santos, Zeekr
  • Weekly Deals Digest (07 Sep) – Pacific Industrial, Ashimori, Shibaura, Kangji Medical, Chery, Hesai
  • [Japan M&A] Pacific Industrial (7250) The MBO Is Extended After Effissimo Buys Above Terms
  • BBVA-Sabadell: Deal Launches Underwater, Arbitrage Still Asymmetric
  • TaskUs Privatization Faces Opposition Amid Potential for Improved Offer and Valuation Discrepancies
  • Weekly Update (CON, HNZ, BRSL)


Regarding the Six KRX Sector Names that Ran Ahead of Friday’s Official Review Drop

By Sanghyun Park

  • Six names stood out with simultaneous volume spikes and sharp pops last Friday; all Semis and Autos additions with big passive impact, while all others showed no tape action.
  • Results likely leaked early, prompting front-running on Semis and Autos adds—high passive impact names—causing Friday’s sharp volume and price spikes.
  • Early movers are mostly priced in; Thursday momentum plays still work, but Monday–Thursday morning requires caution. Focus on volume-driven flows before loading positions, long-short basket viable for other passive-impact names.


Weekly Deals Digest (07 Sep) – Pacific Industrial, Ashimori, Shibaura, Kangji Medical, Chery, Hesai

By Arun George


[Japan M&A] Pacific Industrial (7250) The MBO Is Extended After Effissimo Buys Above Terms

By Travis Lundy

  • Activist-Ish-Y investor Effissimo reported Friday they had a 6.68% stake as of the end of August. 
  • Their average price is ¥2,253 which is 10% through the price the family Bidco was bidding (¥2,050). 
  • As this hasn’t traded below terms at any point since announcement, an extension was likely. This morning, we got one. We’ll get another one before it’s done, BUT…

BBVA-Sabadell: Deal Launches Underwater, Arbitrage Still Asymmetric

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • BBVA’s bid goes live on 8 Sept, but a –8.71% spread and poor optics keep tactical long SAB / short BBVA trades attractive.
  • Sabadell continues to boost standalone appeal via dividends, TSB sale, and strategic capital returns, reducing shareholder incentive to tender at current terms.
  • Legal overhang and merger restrictions extend into 2028, capping synergies and reinforcing the asymmetry in event-driven positioning ahead of potential bid adjustments.

TaskUs Privatization Faces Opposition Amid Potential for Improved Offer and Valuation Discrepancies

By Special Situation Investments

  • TaskUs is being privatized by Blackstone and founders at $16.50/share, opposed by activists and ISS, expecting improved offer.
  • TaskUs projects $75-$120 million free cash flow in 2025, potentially funding the buyout with minimal additional investment.
  • TaskUs specializes in premium BPO services, showing strong growth in Trust & Safety and AI Services segments, less vulnerable to automation.

Weekly Update (CON, HNZ, BRSL)

By Richard Howe

  • On September 2, 2025, Kraft Heinz (KHC) announced that it will be breaking up into two companies.
  • The news comes a decade after the infamous merger of two of the biggest names in packaged foods that was orchestrated by Warren Buffett and Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital Partners.
  • North American Grocery Co would encompass many of the traditional Kraft products.

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