Woori Finance Holdings Co., Ltd.

Asian shares are set for a weak start on Monday after US markets fell on lower commodities prices and Greek debt concerns. Japanese market today is closed for Vernal Equinox Day. Most Asian markets gained on Friday. Japan's Nikkei index rose 0.8 per cent while weakness in yen boosted exporters. China's Shanghai Composite was also higher, with Alunimium Corp of China surged 10 per cent on Friday. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was up 0.2 per cent and South Korea's Kospi climbed 0.7 per cent.

Asian markets mostly opened higher this morning, but reversed early gains after profit taking selling. Tokyo market fell in a choppy trade despite a positive support from Wall Street. This is largely due to a stronger yen and worries over some corporate financing plans. Korean market was down as foreign investors continued to offload Seoul stocks.

South Korea's Woori Finance Holdings (SEO:053000) is considering investing approximately US$300 million in Blackstone Group's private equity fund, a Korean media said.

Yesterday Asian share markets ended broadly lower after Wall Street's massive sell-off over the revised proposal to shore up U.S. banks. Japanese markets were closed for a public holiday. Hong Hong's Hang Seng Index dropped 2.5%, while South Korea's Kospi gave up 0.7%.