FWD Group Holdings, the insurer backed by tycoon Richard Li Tzar-kai, filed for a share offering in Hong Kong just a day ahead of the trading debut of the world’s largest new listing this year, as the city’s bourse regains its former lustre as a top global fundraising venue.
Advertisement
The insurer has received preliminary interest from potential investors for its third attempt at an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, sources familiar with the situation told the Post.
FWD’s filing with the exchange did not mention a timeline or a fundraising target. Brokers estimated the listing would take place this year and raise at least several hundred million US dollars.
“FWD resumes its IPO plan as the US and China tariff disputes have taken a pause, which makes it an ideal time for companies to launch new listing plans,” said Tom Chan Pak-lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Institute of Securities Dealers.
The filing came just hours ahead of the trading debut of Contemporary Amperex Technology on Tuesday. The world’s largest maker of batteries for electric vehicles has raised US$4.6 billion in the world’s largest IPO this year.
Advertisement
FWD said the proceeds from its IPO would be used to strengthen its capital to prepare for future business expansions.
“Such amounts, which contribute to our capital adequacy ratios, also form part of the regulatory capital base required to support growth and opportunities to further penetrate customer and channel reach across our operations, including the enhancement of our digital capabilities and strategy,” FWD said in its filing.