Ghana’s $750m 10-year Eurobond issue is another in a series of firsts from the republic and observers are hoping it heralds the blooming of Africa’s capital markets. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Merrill Lynch’s singleness of purpose played a vital part in the Royal Bank of Scotland-led consortium’s takeover of ABN AMRO. And nowhere more so than in the Fortis rights issue, the biggest ever in dollar terms, which tipped the scales against all predictions. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Europe’s corporate bond market has regained consciousness after a six-week shutdown, though it is not the same animal it was back in June.

Nordic Investment Bank is demonstrating that it is a quality AAA name with its search for funding diversity leading it to success in international pastures, and hungry bankers knocking on its door begging for short-term paper. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Dresdner Kleinwort is ahead of the advisory pack in terms of deal value in European electricity mergers and acquisitions this year. The bank’s utilities and natural resources team talk to Edward Russell-Walling about their recent success in one of the most difficult deals in cross-border history, Enel’s takeover of Endesa.

Once regarded as dull and unfashionable, infrastructure projects are now the hot new alternative asset class. Edward Russell-Walling reports on why they are attracting new investors.

BNP Paribas’ structuring team is meeting growing demand with some innovative approaches. Edward Russell-Walling explains.

Italy’s Enel is set to become a bond market regular, following its successful bid for Spain’s Endesa. Finance chief Claudio Machetti talks to Edward Russell-Walling about its latest corporate issue.

A $3bn global bond, a €5bn benchmark deal – and the year is barely half started. Edward Russell-Walling reports on KfW’s labours.

A consortium including Goldman Sachs won the mandate for a strategic review and IPO execution for Turkey’s state-owned Halkbank. A tight schedule for US distribution and a political/religious row that spilled volatility into the Istanbul stock market failed to derail the sale. Edward Russell-Walling reports.