MALAYSIA - BANKING - Maybank IB downgrades BIMB to 'sell'

www.btimes.com.my -Maybank IB Research has downgraded BIMB Holdings Bhd to "sell" from "buy"’ as it sees the recent run-up in the Islamic financial institution’s share price as excessive.

“Much as we continue to view Bank Islam’s and Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd’s (BIMB’s units) prospects positively, the recent run-up in BIMB’s share price is cause to pause and take stock,” the research house said in a note on Monday. (source)

INDONESIA - TAKAFUL - Syarikat Takaful may go for M&As to secure bigger market share

www.thestar.com.my -PETALING JAYA: Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd will focus on its core markets in Malaysia and Indonesia but does not rule out the possibility of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in a bid to have a stronger foothold and a bigger market share in the takaful business.
Goup managing director Datuk Mohamed Hassan Kamil (pic) told StarBiz the company was now concentrating its efforts in growing the Malaysian and Indonesian market organically.
“Any M&A activities will be deliberated at our holding company level. Our main focus is to grow the business in Malaysia and Indonesia while continuously working hard to gain the top position and increase our market share.” (source)