The folks at Grant Thornton International have just crunched some numbers on foreign acquisitions in China. In the 12 months to June 30, 2006, they tell us, a total of 266 international companies from 41 different countries made investments with a total value of $14 billion in Chinese companies. This is almost exactly the same number as the previous 12 months (268), but represents a 52% increase in deal value terms (from $9 billion to $14 billion). A major reason for the step-up in total deal value: major investments by foreign financial firms in China's liberalizing banking sector.

For a look at the complete Grant Thornton release, click here. For a look at how the likes of HSBC and Bank of America are faring with the partial stakes they've taken in Chinese banks, make sure to read the September 25 issue of Corporate Dealmaker, either in print or online. Our Beijing correspondent, K.C. Swanson, is putting the finishing touches on an in-depth article on the topic. — Kenneth Klee

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