1 Zhongmin Baihui Retail Group bought back 37,500 of its shares at $1.156 each for a total of $43,485.

2 Swiss-based, SGX-listed Lonza Group said it is interested in capsule-maker Capsugel, to strengthen its position as a leading supplier to several important healthcare markets, but warned that there was no certainty of a deal.

3 China Environment said a civil suit against its unit over an alleged loan of five million yuan (S$1 million) will be heard on Dec 30, while a civil suit over an alleged loan of 490,000 yuan will be heard on Dec 27. The court is in China.

4 Mainboard-listed water treatment and environmental protection company SIIC Environment has completed its purchase of 60 per cent of Ranhill Water (Hong Kong).

5 Hi-P International bought back 207,100 of its shares at prices between 53 cents and 53.5 cents each, amounting to $110,539 in total.