In any case, under Singapore law, the merger was left to a court-mandated vote by Vickers Ballas shareholders.

CNN: Business: Failed Merger

But the extraordinary general meeting that Vickers Ballas called to seek shareholder approval of its merger with G.

CNN: Business: Failed Merger

When I wrote about Ong Beng Seng's battle on behalf of Vickers Ballas shareholders, I pointed to all sorts of ironies.

CNN: Business: Failed Merger

It was the standing of one of Singapore's most seasoned corporate players, Mr. Ong, who controls about 20% of the Vickers Ballas shares, and one of the island-republic's most powerful woman, Madam Ho, whose Singapore Technologies owns 40% of the firm.

CNN: Business: Failed Merger