Stocks to watch: A-Reit, Wilmar, Chiwayland

THE following counters may see increased trading activity on Thursday before the market heads for the holiday season:

Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust: The Reit has expressed interest to purchase a logistics property in Sydney for A$76.6 million (S$77.9 million), it said in a filing to Singapore Exchange before trading opened. The property - a modern 36,220 square metre high clearance warehouse and a 2,359 sq m freestanding two-storey office/laboratory facility - will be the trust's 10th logistics facility in Sydney and 27th in Australia.

Wilmar International: Commodities firm Wilmar, together with Sao Paulo-based Raizen Energia, announced plans to establish a sugar venture in Brazil to export a type of Brazilian sugar known as VHP, reported Reuters. Brazilian antitrust watchdog Cade is reviewing the tie-up. This is expected to rival the partnership between Cargill and Copersucar, the nation's leading exporter this year, Bloomberg reported.

Chiwayland International: Chinese property developer Chiwayland was awarded the tender for a land parcel in Sydney at a purchase price of approximately A$18.6 million (S$18.9 million). The parcel comprises a site area of approximately 2,980 square metres and is expected to be developed into residential units. The group intends to finance the purchase by internal resources and external borrowings.