HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – Shanghai-based Haitong Securities Co., Ltd. started bookbuilding Thursday for its Hong Kong IPO and listing, which could raise up to US$1.7 billion in a primary offering, excluding a 15% over-allotment option. The broker will no doubt aim to replicate October’s successful flotation of rival CITIC Securities Co. Ltd., whose stock is currently trading 4.7% above its initial offer price. But with weaker institutional support, Haitong’s IPO could face an uphill struggle in these choppy waters: The company has a smaller platform, lower market share in securities underwriting and a higher cost base than CITIC. read

HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – Luxury handbags and small leather goods outsourced manufacturer Sitoy Group Holdings Ltd. started bookbuilding Monday for a US$125 million, all-primary IPO in Hong Kong through sole bookrunner Bank of AmericaMerrill Lynch, with pricing set for November 29. The company looks attractive, and pricing appears reasonable. Shame about the timing. read

HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong’s growing effort to secure international listings speaks volumes about the possible threat posed by the Shanghai international board – when it eventually happens. Recent attempts, however, have been disappointing and HKEx should take stock of Kuala Lumpur’s (KL’s) Bursa Malaysia. Staying local has proved worthwhile. read

HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – With market volatility comes caution, and IPO syndicates are no exception. Internationally and in Asia, these are increasingly becoming crowded at the senior end for sizeable transactions in particular. Junior underwriters, whose contribution remains marginal, are being squeezed out. read