Briefs

Minor International (MINT) announced yesterday that it had purchased the remaining 30 per cent of Thai-Express Concepts Pte Ltd for 16.8 million Singapore dollars (Bt406 million). The purchase resulted in the increase in MINT’s shareholding in Thai-Express to 100 per cent.
The increase in shareholding reinforces the quick-service restaurant company’s confidence in the strength of the Thai-Express brand, and marks another milestone in the strengthening of its international platform and increasing overseas contribution, it said.
Last year, Thai-Express recorded revenue of S$89.9 million and net profit of S$9.6 million.

Discount coupons
Flood victims will receive Bt2,000 discount coupons from the Energy Ministry to purchase electrical appliances.
Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said yesterday that the ministry would host an energy-saving-goods fair at Bitec Bang Na from next Tuesday until January 4. Similar events will be held later in 27 other flood-affected provinces.
The Energy Conservation Promotion Fund will provide financial support for the Bt2,000 discount coupon, which can be used to reduce an item’s price by no more than 20 per cent.

Mahachai’s investment
Petkaserm Vertchakit Co, a subsidiary of Mahachai Hospital Co, has approved purchase of a 15percent stake in Pornmana Co, operator of the private San Paulo Hua Hin Hospital, for Bt45 million.
The transaction is to be executed next month.

China-Asean fair
The first ChinaAsean (Thailand) Commodity Fair will take place from January 69 after being delayed from November by the flood disaster. The fair at Impact Muang Thong Thani is expected to draw more than 10,000 potential buyers from all over the region.
Trade between China and Asean from January-October was worth US$54 billion (Bt1.7 trillion), up 26 per cent from the same period last year.
The fair will feature an auction of 48 antique pieces from China, and proceeds from the auction will be donated to flood victims.