| | JULY 20268IN FOCUSSamsung Biologics has agreed to acquire Swiss peptide drug manufacturer PolyPeptide Group in an all-cash deal valued at approximately 1.46 billion Swiss francs ($1.8 billion), marking its largest overseas acquisition. The move expands Samsung Biologics' contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) capabilities beyond antibodies into peptide therapeutics. The company is offering 44.31 Swiss francs per share, a 40percent premium to PolyPeptide's share price before takeover speculation emerged. The deal, expected to close by late 2026, remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. PolyPeptide's largest shareholder, which owns 55.7percent of the company, has agreed to tender its stake, while the board unanimously supports the offer. The acquisition will strengthen Samsung Biologics' global manufacturing footprint and establish a comprehensive multimodality CDMO platform. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) said commercial production of its next-generation A14 process will begin in 2028, marking a major step in advanced chip manufacturing. Chairman C.C. Wei said the A14 process, the second generation of TSMC's nanosheet transistor technology, will deliver a 10-15percent performance boost at the same power consumption compared with the company's 2nm process. TSMC expects A14 production volumes to exceed those of its 2nm technology, strengthening its leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. The company also outlined plans to introduce A13 and A12 processes in the following years. Alongside process advancements, TSMC is developing a new IC packaging technology to complement CoWoS, aiming to lower costs and address strong global demand for AI chip packaging solutions. SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS TO BUY POLYPEPTIDE IN $1.8 BILLION DEAL TSMC TARGETS MASS PRODUCTION OF A14 CHIPS BY 2028 Eight years after implementing Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW on Vietnam's Sustainable Marine Economic Development Strategy, the country's maritime economy has achieved significant progress, strengthening the ocean's contribution to national growth. The fisheries and aquaculture sectors have expanded, improving livelihoods while supporting economic development. With a 3,200-km coastline, Vietnam continues to leverage its marine resources to drive sustainable growth.Quang Ninh province has emerged as a key example, transitioning from fragmented aquaculture to large-scale marine farming by streamlining administrative procedures and accelerating sea-area allocations. Bien Dong Squid Joint Stock Company recently secured nearly 210 hectares in the Co To Special Zone and launched a high-tech aquaculture project featuring 40 HDPE cages. The project targets marine fish, squid, and seaweed production on an industrial scale. VIETNAM'S MARITIME ECONOMY ENTERS A NEW GROWTH PHASE MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES MANUFACTURING
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