Ascentium, a Singapore-headquartered business services platform backed by Hillhouse Investment, has completed its acquisition of Dezan Shira & Associates (Dezan Shira), a multi-disciplinary professional services firm, according to an announcement.
Philippines-headquartered Aboitiz Foods is acquiring a Singapore-based aquaculture research and development facility from Adisseo Asia Pacific. Separately, Hillhouse-backed Ascentium has acquired advisory firm Dezan Shira & Associates.
Aboitiz Foods buys Adisseo facility
Philippines-headquartered Aboitiz Foods is acquiring a Singapore-based aquaculture research and development facility from Adisseo Asia Pacific for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition, expands its science-driven capabilities as it seeks to strengthen support for customers across Asia Pacific, per the announcement.
The facility, acquired through Gold Coin Management Holdings Pte. Ltd., is located at the Singapore Food Agency’s Marine Aquaculture Centre on St. John’s Island.
It is equipped with advanced recirculating aquaculture systems designed to support controlled trials, digestibility studies and performance validation under closely monitored conditions.
By adding the facility, Aboitiz Foods is deepening its research footprint in Singapore, a hub for food innovation and aquaculture development, while sharpening its focus on science-led product development.
The company said the facility would support efforts to generate more precise data on feed performance and animal nutrition, helping it tailor solutions to the needs of fish and shrimp producers across diverse markets.
Aboitiz Foods, part of Philippine conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures, has been expanding its regional footprint through its food and feed businesses, including Gold Coin, one of Asia’s major animal nutrition brands.
Ascentium buys Dezan Shira
The addition of Dezan Shira’s network complements Ascentium’s existing footprint in Southeast Asia.
The transaction will help Ascentium plug a gap in its mainland China coverage while strengthening its footprint in fast-growing Southeast Asian markets. The acquisition will also double the firm’s capacity in Vietnam, where rising inbound investment—particularly from China—is driving strong economic momentum.
The acquisition also brings Asia Briefing, Dezan Shira’s business intelligence and research arm, into Ascentium’s ecosystem.
With this acquisition, Ascentium now operates in 27 markets, including new locations such as Mongolia, Poland, Germany and Italy, thereby enhancing its ability to support clients with cross-border investments and multi-jurisdictional operations.
Founded in Hong Kong in 1992, Dezan Shira operates 27 offices across Asia. The firm provides business intelligence and market entry, corporate establishment and licensing, accounting, tax advisory, payroll and HR administration, internal audit and risk advisory, as well as technology-enabled financial software and ERP solutions.
