M&As: What's hot in 2015

REAL estate, financial services, manufacturing, and energy, mining and utilities are poised to be the hottest sectors for investments in 2015 with the targeted realisation of the Asean Economic Community, say consultants.

This is expected to bring about even more deals in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market, as companies position to get ahead of the race for growth.

Among the drivers for M&A in the Asean region are growth in fixed asset infrastructure investment and the manufacturing sector, according to Keoy Soo Earn, a Singapore-based partner at Deloitte who advises the firm's clients on M&A. "There is expected growth in the manufacturing sector and with China perceived to be getting expensive, investors are taking advantage of the Asean Economic Community integration which promises freer trade, lower labour costs and integrated regulatory systems," he said.