+
Asia Cement China owner to take company private in $647 million deal
Cement

Asia Cement China owner to take company private in $647 million deal

The majority owner of Asia Cement (China) Holdings Corp has proposed to privatise the cement manufacturer in a deal worth HK$5.05 billion ($646.6 million), according to statements from the companies on Wednesday. This move comes amidst challenges faced by construction suppliers amid the crisis in China's property sector.

As part of the privatisation offer, Taiwan-listed Asia Cement Corp is extending an offer of HK$3.22 for each share of Asia Cement China that it does not already possess, representing a 3% discount compared to the Hong Kong-listed firm's closing price on May 28.

Trading in Asia Cement China shares was halted in Hong Kong on May 28 pending an announcement on takeovers and mergers after experiencing a substantial surge of up to 47%, marking its largest intraday increase since November 2008. Additionally, on May 27, the shares had rallied by 14%, leading to a market capitalisation of $666 million, significantly lower than its peak of $2.8 billion in July 2019. The Hong Kong-listed firm has applied to resume trading on Thursday.

Currently, Asia Cement Corp holds a 67.73% stake in the Hong Kong-listed unit, which reported a first-quarter loss of approximately $17.9 million in April.

China's property market is grappling with high levels of debt, impacting construction suppliers across the country. In response, Beijing has introduced stimulus measures to address the housing market's decline. Asia Cement China has faced challenges in recent years, including a downturn in its revenue and profit, attributed to factors such as the property market crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, rising interest rates, and intensified competition.

Asia Cement Corp, listed in Taiwan, is owned by Far Eastern New Century Corp, a conglomerate involved in various industries ranging from shipping to telecommunications. (Source: ET)

The majority owner of Asia Cement (China) Holdings Corp has proposed to privatise the cement manufacturer in a deal worth HK$5.05 billion ($646.6 million), according to statements from the companies on Wednesday. This move comes amidst challenges faced by construction suppliers amid the crisis in China's property sector. As part of the privatisation offer, Taiwan-listed Asia Cement Corp is extending an offer of HK$3.22 for each share of Asia Cement China that it does not already possess, representing a 3% discount compared to the Hong Kong-listed firm's closing price on May 28. Trading in Asia Cement China shares was halted in Hong Kong on May 28 pending an announcement on takeovers and mergers after experiencing a substantial surge of up to 47%, marking its largest intraday increase since November 2008. Additionally, on May 27, the shares had rallied by 14%, leading to a market capitalisation of $666 million, significantly lower than its peak of $2.8 billion in July 2019. The Hong Kong-listed firm has applied to resume trading on Thursday. Currently, Asia Cement Corp holds a 67.73% stake in the Hong Kong-listed unit, which reported a first-quarter loss of approximately $17.9 million in April. China's property market is grappling with high levels of debt, impacting construction suppliers across the country. In response, Beijing has introduced stimulus measures to address the housing market's decline. Asia Cement China has faced challenges in recent years, including a downturn in its revenue and profit, attributed to factors such as the property market crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, rising interest rates, and intensified competition. Asia Cement Corp, listed in Taiwan, is owned by Far Eastern New Century Corp, a conglomerate involved in various industries ranging from shipping to telecommunications. (Source: ET)

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Products

Interio by Godrej launches modular workplace solutions

Interio by Godrej has launched Workscapes, a modular workplace solutions category designed to help organisations configure and adapt workspaces to changing requirements. The portfolio combines mobile and compatible furniture and support elements that can be rearranged across different work modes without changes to fixed layouts.Workscapes includes Collaboration Tables, Privacy Solutions, Mobile Markerboards and Space Dividers, Power Solutions, Storage and Support Elements, Meeting and Presentation Tools, and Seating Elements. The range is designed for focused work, collaboration, informal disc..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

CAFE-III Gives Auto Industry Investment Clarity

The government’s new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE-III) norms have provided the automobile industry with a clearer framework for technology investments, according to industry representatives. The framework seeks to balance environmental objectives with flexibility for manufacturers while encouraging the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles and biofuels. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Shenu Agarwal said the five-year framework would give automakers greater predictability to plan investments and accelerate innovation. He said the regulation established annual targ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Mines Ministry to Auction Two Offshore Mineral Blocks in Andaman Sea

The Ministry of Mines will launch an auction of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea on Thursday, seeking to unlock India’s offshore mineral potential and strengthen long-term mineral resource security. The blocks will be offered under a composite licence, which permits exploration and development activities in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework. The ministry said the auction was intended to encourage systematic exploration, attract investment and promote the use of advanced technologies for offshore mineral exploration and development. The initiative is also aimed..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code