HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – Fitness First is likely to apply to Singapore’s SGX this month for an eligibility-to-list letter for an IPO, with a launch this July. The business, which has been listed before in the UK, has a wide footprint and boasts impressive statistics, as well as a clear ability to generate cash (2009 EBITDAwas US$238 million equivalent). We look at the group, and at the possible shape the IPO might take.
Glencore International plc filed today an announcement detailing the terms of its proposed US$9 billion to US$11 billion flotation on the LSE and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. The filing reveals a transaction mainly comprised of new shares to be issued, as well as the prominent role played in the deal by Morgan Stanley and Citi.
HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – The US$1.44 billion IPO and listing in February on the London Stock Exchange of Justice Holdings Ltd. marks something of a revival for special purpose acquisition companies. It raises the question: Why are SPACs yet to make it big in Asia, which last year accounted for more than 54% by volume of IPOs globally? They could do well in Hong Kong in particular.
HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker)- The report from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) this week couldn’t have come at a more awkward time. Just as Singapore is mounting a challenge to Hong Kong’s dominance in Asian equity capital markets, the regulator has chastised brokers and banks for failing to meet standards as IPO sponsors. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. (HKEx) thus finds itself in the spotlight at the same time it needs to defend its market share.
HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – As chatter increases, Glencore International AG remains tight-lipped about its IPO plans. Some of what has filtered over the last few days, however, offers a clue as to what its US$10 billion to US$15 billion offering and dual listing might look like, and suggests it could come next month, just before the Easter break.
HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – It’s been an eventful week in the otherwise cozy world of stock exchanges. But to what extent will the latest round of M&A benefit ECM bankers who underwrite stock offerings for their clients?
HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – As the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong continues to attract a wide array of Chinese issuers as well as, increasingly, international companies looking to tap Asian investors, proposed changes to boardroom rules are very welcome and long overdue.
HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – The greenshoe may find itself in the spotlight as institutional shareholders and governments agitate over fairness and fees. This would be an unwelcome development for investment banks.
HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – Frustrated with what they increasingly perceive as a conflict of interest, a number of companies and their stakeholders are now engaging independent advisers to assess the work done by their investment banks.
HONG KONG (Dow Jones Investment Banker) – Logically, there’s reason to offer around-the-clock trading on securities: Investors can trade from their home turf some of their large holdings. But Vale S.A.’s Hong Kong listing shows the value of such an option is questionable in practice.
