BUSINESS IN ASIA TODAY - DEC 2, 2004.

(From Asia Pulse)

Business in Asia on Dec 2, 2004. A summary prepared by Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com), the real-time, Asia-based wire with exclusive news, market intelligence and business opportunities:

AUSTRALIAN CONSORTIUM TO PAY US$2.4 BLN FOR UK ASSETS

SYDNEY - A consortium led by listed investment vehicle Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group (ASX:MCG) has announced a major UK acquisition in the communications field. The group will acquire the UK broadcast infrastructure assets of National Transcommunications Ltd and NTL Digital Ltd for $A3.11 billion (US$2.41 billion). The consortium comprises Macquarie Communications Infrastructure, Macquarie Bank Ltd and other third party investors including IFM, Challenger Life No. 2 Limited, MTAA Superannuation Fund (NTL Broadcast) Utilities Pty Ltd, Dian Wijaya Sdn Bhd, Macquarie Global Infrastructure Fund II and clients of Macquarie Private Bank.

EXXON MOBIL, SAUDI ARAMCO START WORK ON FUJIAN REFINERY

BEIJING - Exxon Mobil Corp. and Saudi Aramco have started engineering work on a US$3.5 billion refinery in China's southern Fujian Province, according to a Saudi official. Exxon, Aramco …