IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

Equity Capital Markets

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dida-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29701:1" rel="noopener">Dida (DIDA HK)</a> operates the largest carpooling marketplace in China with a market share of 66.5% as measured by the number of carpooling rides in 2019, according to Frost &amp; Sullivan. Dida is seeking listing approval to raise $500 million through a Hong Kong listing, according to press reports. Dida is backed by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nio-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27399:1" rel="noopener">NIO Inc (NIO US)</a>’s founder (Mr Bin Li), <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bitauto-holdings-ltd-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12004:1" rel="noopener">Bitauto Holdings (BITA US)</a>, Hillhouse Capital, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jd-com-inc-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:446:1" rel="noopener">JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/trip-com-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:180:1" rel="noopener">Trip.com (TCOM US)</a>. </p><div class="content-highlight"><p>Dida is a play on China’s carpooling market which is an increasingly accepted mobility option in China. In recent years, Chinese regulators have released various policies and guidelines to tackle traffic congestion and carbon emissions, including a commitment to promote carpooling under a regulatory framework. Dida is an attractive new economy company that combines high growth with profitability and cash generation. Consequently, Dida warrants a closer look.   </p></div>

Dida (DIDA HK) operates the largest carpooling marketplace in China with a market share of 66.5% as measured by the number of carpooling rides in 2019, according to Frost &amp; Sullivan. Dida is seeking listing approval to raise $500 million through a Hong Kong listing, according to press reports. Dida is backed by NIO Inc (NIO US)’s founder (Mr Bin Li), Bitauto Holdings (BITA US), Hillhouse Capital, JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US) and Trip.com (TCOM US). Dida is a play on China’s carpooling market which is an increasingly accepted mobility option in China. In recent years, Chinese regulators have released various policies and guidelines to tackle traffic congestion and carbon emissions, including a commitment to promote carpooling under a regulatory framework. Dida is an attractive new economy company that combines high growth with profitability and cash generation. Consequently, Dida warrants a closer look.   

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

<div>
<p>Following the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/luckin-coffee-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28046:1" rel="noopener">Luckin Coffee (LK US)</a> debacle and the ensuing fallout (discussed in <em><a href="https://skr.ma/p7ikw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Car Inc (699 HK) - Needs A Hire Purpose</a></em> and <em><a href="https://skr.ma/4TZfG" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Car Inc (699 HK): MBK's Firm Offer</a></em>), on the 13 November MBK <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/1113/2020111301538.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tabled</a> a pre-conditional general cash Offer of $4.00/share for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/car-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:942:1" rel="noopener">Car Inc (699 HK)</a>, a 17.99% premium to last close.  </p>
<p>A truncated summary of the announcements below brings you up to date.:</p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<table class="table table-striped">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">
<h3>Date</h3>
</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<h3>Data in the Date</h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">9-Apr-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">Car's largest shareholder, <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0409/2020040900021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sold</a> 44.666mn shares, or 2.11% of shares out, on the day Car's shares collapsed. NOT a good look. UCAR held ~27.65% of shares out in Car after the sale. Lu is the controller of UCAR with a 39.94% stake.<br><br>UCAR <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0512/2020051201219.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sold</a> a further 100k shares (0.0047% of shares out) on the 11 May, and <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0623/2020062301508.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7.085mn</a> shares (0.33%) between the 12 May and 22 June.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">16-Apr-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Amber Gem <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0416/2020041601733.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered</a> into a SPA with UCAR to acquire 98.6mn shares (4.65% of shares out - known as the first tranche) from UCAR at HK$2.30/share; and 264.08mn shares (12.46% of shares out - the second tranche) at HK$3.40/share. This works out to an average price of $3.10/share.</p>
<p></p>
<p>At the time of the SPA, Amber Gem held 10.11%. According to the <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0401/2020040101309.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 annual report</a> (page 49), Warburg Pincus holds a 60.47% stake in Amber Gem. </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">1-Jun-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Car <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0601/2020060100013.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> Amber Gem and UCAR had terminated their second tranche. The first tranche <a href="https://di.hkex.com.hk/di/NSNoticePersonList.aspx?sa2=np&amp;scpid1=69816&amp;scpid3=0&amp;scpid2=109421&amp;sa1=pl&amp;scsd=21%2f07%2f2019&amp;sced=21%2f07%2f2020&amp;pn=Amber+Gem&amp;src=MAIN&amp;lang=EN&amp;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appears</a> to have been completed on the 30 May, lifting Amber Gem's stake to 14.76%.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Separately  UCAR and BAIC Group <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0601/2020060100013.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered</a> into a non-legally binding strategic cooperation agreement, such that BAIC would acquire 450.79mn shares in Car, or 21.26% of shares out, from UCAR.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">9-Jun-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">Lu <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0610/2020061000043.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resigned</a> as Chairman and NED, with effect from June 9 (i.e. immediate).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">2-Jul-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Car announced UCAR had entered into an offer letter with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/saic-motor-corp-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20833:1" rel="noopener">SAIC Motor (600104 CH)</a> such that SAIC will acquire UCAR's 20.87% stake in Car at HK$3.10.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Separately, SAIC entered into an offer letter with Amber Gem to acquire an 8.05% stake in Car, also at HK$3.10/share.  The completion of these Offer letters would result in SAIC holding 28.92%, below the 30% mandatory general offer threshold.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">20-Jul-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Car announced that UCAR has terminated its agreement with SAIC; and that UCAR had now entered into a SPA with Jinggangshan BAIC to acquire its 20.87% stake in Car at HK$3.10/share. Jinggangshan BAIC also signed an offer letter with Amber Gem to acquire an 8.04% of shares out (@ HK$3.10/share) - to collectively give Jinggangshan BAIC 28.91%. Amber Gem would be left holding 6.7% of shares out. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Car <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0720/2020072001067.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> that it has been informed that "UCAR has received a notice from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (and that the) CSRC has initiated an investigation on UCAR in connection with suspected violations of information disclosure laws and regulations by UCAR". </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">24-Jul-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Profit warning. Car expects a net loss n the 1H20 vs. net profit of RMB279mn in 1H19. Looking at impairment charges with respect to is vehicle fleet of RMB2.5bn-3RMBbn. </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">26-Jul-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Amber Gem and Jinggangshan BAIC <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0726/2020072600011.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered</a> into a SPA such that BAIC acquires 170.72mn shares (8.05% of shares out) from Amber at $3.10/share.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">3-Aug-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Xiaogeng Li, an NED, <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0803/2020080300015.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resigned</a>, ceasing her membership of the audit and compliance committee</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">3-Aug-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>The CSRC <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0803/2020080300019.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">completed</a> its (two-week) investigation and dished out some fines to UCAR and certain directors/senior management. </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">20-Aug-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>A Reuters article suggests MBK is kicking tyres</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">10-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/car-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:942:1" rel="noopener">Car Inc (699 HK)</a> <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/1110/2020111001297.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the S&amp;P with UCAR, BAIC is terminated. MBK Partners to acquire ~20.86% of shares in Car for HK$1.77bn ($4/share).</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">13-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>MBK's <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/1113/2020111301538.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">firm Offer</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="width: 115.258px;"><em>Source: mainly HKEx announcements</em></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The pre-conditions to the Offer may be waived, either in whole or in part; the Offer is subject to only a simple merger case by SAMR; the UCAR SPA has now completed; and the Offer is subject to a 50% tendering condition - with MBK holding 47.41% at the completion of a SPA with UCAR, together with irrevocables. </p>
<p>This looks done.</p>
<p>Yet, the gross spread has steadily widened since the 28 December. What gives? </p>
<p>More thoughts below the fold.</p>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>


Following the Luckin Coffee (LK US) debacle and the ensuing fallout (discussed in Car Inc (699 HK) - Needs A Hire Purpose and Car Inc (699 HK): MBK's Firm Offer), on the 13 November MBK tabled a pre-conditional general cash Offer of $4.00/share for Car Inc (699 HK), a 17.99% premium to last close.  
A truncated summary of the announcements below brings you up to date.:







Date


Data in the Date



9-Apr-20
Car's largest shareholder, sold 44.666mn shares, or 2.11% of shares out, on the day Car's shares collapsed. NOT a good look. UCAR held ~27.65% of shares out in Car after the sale. Lu is the controller of UCAR with a 39.94% stake.  UCAR sold a further 100k shares (0.0047% of shares out) on the 11 May, and 7.085mn shares (0.33%) between the 12 May and 22 June.


16-Apr-20

Amber Gem entered into a SPA with UCAR to acquire 98.6mn shares (4.65% of shares out - known as the first tranche) from UCAR at HK$2.30/share; and 264.08mn shares (12.46% of shares out - the second tranche) at HK$3.40/share. This works out to an average price of $3.10/share.

At the time of the SPA, Amber Gem held 10.11%. According to the 2019 annual report (page 49), Warburg Pincus holds a 60.47% stake in Amber Gem. 



1-Jun-20

Car announced Amber Gem and UCAR had terminated their second tranche. The first tranche appears to have been completed on the 30 May, lifting Amber Gem's stake to 14.76%.

Separately  UCAR and BAIC Group entered into a non-legally binding strategic cooperation agreement, such that BAIC would acquire 450.79mn shares in Car, or 21.26% of shares out, from UCAR.



9-Jun-20
Lu resigned as Chairman and NED, with effect from June 9 (i.e. immediate).


2-Jul-20

Car announced UCAR had entered into an offer letter with SAIC Motor (600104 CH) such that SAIC will acquire UCAR's 20.87% stake in Car at HK$3.10.

Separately, SAIC entered into an offer letter with Amber Gem to acquire an 8.05% stake in Car, also at HK$3.10/share.  The completion of these Offer letters would result in SAIC holding 28.92%, below the 30% mandatory general offer threshold.



20-Jul-20

Car announced that UCAR has terminated its agreement with SAIC; and that UCAR had now entered into a SPA with Jinggangshan BAIC to acquire its 20.87% stake in Car at HK$3.10/share. Jinggangshan BAIC also signed an offer letter with Amber Gem to acquire an 8.04% of shares out (@ HK$3.10/share) - to collectively give Jinggangshan BAIC 28.91%. Amber Gem would be left holding 6.7% of shares out. 

Car announced that it has been informed that "UCAR has received a notice from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (and that the) CSRC has initiated an investigation on UCAR in connection with suspected violations of information disclosure laws and regulations by UCAR". 



24-Jul-20

Profit warning. Car expects a net loss n the 1H20 vs. net profit of RMB279mn in 1H19. Looking at impairment charges with respect to is vehicle fleet of RMB2.5bn-3RMBbn. 



26-Jul-20

Amber Gem and Jinggangshan BAIC entered into a SPA such that BAIC acquires 170.72mn shares (8.05% of shares out) from Amber at $3.10/share.



3-Aug-20

Xiaogeng Li, an NED, resigned, ceasing her membership of the audit and compliance committee



3-Aug-20

The CSRC completed its (two-week) investigation and dished out some fines to UCAR and certain directors/senior management. 



20-Aug-20

A Reuters article suggests MBK is kicking tyres



10-Nov-20

Car Inc (699 HK) announced the S&amp;P with UCAR, BAIC is terminated. MBK Partners to acquire ~20.86% of shares in Car for HK$1.77bn ($4/share).



13-Nov-20

MBK's firm Offer



Source: mainly HKEx announcements



The pre-conditions to the Offer may be waived, either in whole or in part; the Offer is subject to only a simple merger case by SAMR; the UCAR SPA has now completed; and the Offer is subject to a 50% tendering condition - with MBK holding 47.41% at the completion of a SPA with UCAR, together with irrevocables. 
This looks done.
Yet, the gross spread has steadily widened since the 28 December. What gives? 
More thoughts below the fold.




Car Inc (699 HK):  Are We Missing Anything?

<div>
<p>14 months ago, almost to the day, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-biologic-products-hold" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22633:1" rel="noopener">China Biologic Products (CBPO US)</a> <a href="http://chinabiologic.investorroom.com/2019-09-18-China-Biologic-Announces-Receipt-of-Preliminary-Non-Binding-Going-Private-Proposal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the receipt of a preliminary non-binding proposal from Beachhead Holdings, CITIC, PW Medtech<span id="spanHghlt74d7">, Parfield </span>International, Hillhouse, and V-Sciences Investments for US$120/share, in cash.</p>
<p>Yesterday, CBPO entered into a <a href="http://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=101533&amp;ref=115451875&amp;type=PDF&amp;symbol=CBPO&amp;companyName=China+Biologic+Products+Holdings+Inc.&amp;formType=6-K&amp;dateFiled=2020-11-19&amp;CK=1369868" target="_blank" rel="noopener">definitive merger agreement</a>, also at US$120/share.</p>
<p>The merger is conditional on an affirmative vote from shareholders representing at least two-thirds of the shares out, and that the aggregate quantity of dissenting shares shall be less than 8% of shares out.</p>
<p>As of the date of merger agreement, members of the Buyer Consortium (including <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pw-medtech-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9891:1" rel="noopener">Pw Medtech (1358 HK)</a>) and the Rollover Management Members, beneficially own shares representing ~68.84% of shares out.</p>
</div>
<p>Done deal. Possible completion late 1Q21, early 2Q1.</p>
<p>More below the fold.</p>
<div></div>
<div>
<p></p>
</div>


14 months ago, almost to the day, China Biologic Products (CBPO US) announced the receipt of a preliminary non-binding proposal from Beachhead Holdings, CITIC, PW Medtech, Parfield International, Hillhouse, and V-Sciences Investments for US$120/share, in cash.
Yesterday, CBPO entered into a definitive merger agreement, also at US$120/share.
The merger is conditional on an affirmative vote from shareholders representing at least two-thirds of the shares out, and that the aggregate quantity of dissenting shares shall be less than 8% of shares out.
As of the date of merger agreement, members of the Buyer Consortium (including Pw Medtech (1358 HK)) and the Rollover Management Members, beneficially own shares representing ~68.84% of shares out.

Done deal. Possible completion late 1Q21, early 2Q1.
More below the fold.





China Biologics (CBPO US): Firm Offer Backed By Prerequisite Votes

<div>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/car-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:942:1" rel="noopener">Car Inc (699 HK)</a>'s cratered 54% on the 3 April before being suspended, given the management crossover with scandal-hit <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/luckin-coffee-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28046:1" rel="noopener">Luckin Coffee (LK US)</a>. Charles Zhengyao Lu, the largest shareholder in Luckin, was also a major (indirect) shareholder and chairman in Car.</p>
<p>Car <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0407/2020040700005.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">qualified</a> that while Lu was a shareholder and chairman of Luckin Coffee, "<em>he resigned from the role of Chief Executive Officer and became a Non-executive Director of Car in April 2016</em>" and "<em>has not been involved in the Group’s day-to-day management since then</em>". In addition, Jian Liu, COO of Luckin and widely understood to be the orchestrator of Luckin's internal issues, "<em>ceased his employment as a department director" with Car in 2015.</em>" </p>
</div>
<div>
<p>A detailed rundown of these events can be found in <em><a href="https://skr.ma/p7ikw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Car Inc (699 HK) - Needs A Hire Purpose</a></em>.</p>
<p>According to a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-car-inc-mbk-partners-m-a-exclusive/exclusive-mbk-partners-leads-group-in-talks-to-take-hk-listed-car-inc-private-idUSKCN25G0JX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reuters</a>' article on the 20 August, an MBK consortium had been in negotiations with SOE Jinggangshan BAIC with respect to its ~29% stake in Car, with a possible view to taking Car private. This was discussed in <em><a href="https://skr.ma/WyCdw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Car Inc (699 HK): MBK Takes A Turn At The Wheel</a></em>. A HKEx disclosure filing on the 24 July showed BAIC with <a href="https://di.hkex.com.hk/di/NSForm2.aspx?fn=CS20200727E00205&amp;sa2=np&amp;scpid1=99615&amp;scpid3=0&amp;scpid2=109421&amp;sa1=pl&amp;scsd=21%2f08%2f2017&amp;sced=21%2f08%2f2020&amp;pn=Beijing+Automotive+Group&amp;src=MAIN&amp;lang=EN&amp;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">28.92%</a>, given the SPAs with UCAR &amp; Warburg Pincus/Amber.</p>
<p>On the 10 November, Car <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/1110/2020111001297.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the SPA between UCAR and BAIC had terminated. Separately, MBK Partners had entered into a SPA to acquire ~20.86% of shares in Car for HK$1.77bn ($4.00/share) from UCAR.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>A summary of announcements below brings you up to date.:</p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<table class="table table-striped">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">
<h3>Date</h3>
</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<h3>Data in the Date</h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">9-Apr-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">Car's largest shareholder, <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0409/2020040900021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sold</a> 44.666mn shares, or 2.11% of shares out, on the day Car's shares collapsed. NOT a good look. UCAR held ~27.65% of shares out in Car after the sale. Lu is the controller of UCAR with a 39.94% stake.<br><br>UCAR <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0512/2020051201219.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sold</a> a further 100k shares (0.0047% of shares out) on the 11 May, and <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0623/2020062301508.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7.085mn</a> shares (0.33%) between the 12 May and 22 June.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">16-Apr-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Amber Gem <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0416/2020041601733.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered</a> into a SPA with UCAR to acquire 98.6mn shares (4.65% of shares out - known as the first tranche) from UCAR at HK$2.30/share; and 264.08mn shares (12.46% of shares out - the second tranche) at HK$3.40/share. This works out to an average price of $3.10/share.</p>
<p></p>
<p>At the time of the SPA, Amber Gem held 10.11%. According to the <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0401/2020040101309.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 annual report</a> (page 49), Warburg Pincus holds a 60.47% stake in Amber Gem. </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">1-Jun-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Car <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0601/2020060100013.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> Amber Gem and UCAR had terminated their second tranche. The first tranche <a href="https://di.hkex.com.hk/di/NSNoticePersonList.aspx?sa2=np&amp;scpid1=69816&amp;scpid3=0&amp;scpid2=109421&amp;sa1=pl&amp;scsd=21%2f07%2f2019&amp;sced=21%2f07%2f2020&amp;pn=Amber+Gem&amp;src=MAIN&amp;lang=EN&amp;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appears</a> to have been completed on the 30 May, lifting Amber Gem's stake to 14.76%.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Separately  UCAR and BAIC Group <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0601/2020060100013.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered</a> into a non-legally binding strategic cooperation agreement, such that BAIC would acquire 450.79mn shares in Car, or 21.26% of shares out, from UCAR.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">9-Jun-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">Lu <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0610/2020061000043.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resigned</a> as Chairman and NED, with effect from June 9 (i.e. immediate).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">2-Jul-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Car announced UCAR had entered into an offer letter with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/saic-motor-corp-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20833:1" rel="noopener">SAIC Motor (600104 CH)</a> such that SAIC will acquire UCAR's 20.87% stake in Car at HK$3.10.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Separately, SAIC entered into an offer letter with Amber Gem to acquire an 8.05% stake in Car, also at HK$3.10/share.  The completion of these Offer letters would result in SAIC holding 28.92%, below the 30% mandatory general offer threshold.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">20-Jul-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Car announced that UCAR has terminated its agreement with SAIC; and that UCAR had now entered into a SPA with Jinggangshan BAIC to acquire its 20.87% stake in Car at HK$3.10/share. Jinggangshan BAIC also signed an offer letter with Amber Gem to acquire an 8.04% of shares out (@ HK$3.10/share) - to collectively give Jinggangshan BAIC 28.91%. Amber Gem would be left holding 6.7% of shares out. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Car <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0720/2020072001067.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> that it has been informed that "UCAR has received a notice from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (and that the) CSRC has initiated an investigation on UCAR in connection with suspected violations of information disclosure laws and regulations by UCAR". </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">24-Jul-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Profit warning. Car expects a net loss n the 1H20 vs. net profit of RMB279mn in 1H19. Looking at impairment charges with respect to is vehicle fleet of RMB2.5bn-3RMBbn. </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">26-Jul-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Amber Gem and Jinggangshan BAIC <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0726/2020072600011.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered</a> into a SPA such that BAIC acquires 170.72mn shares (8.05% of shares out) from Amber at $3.10/share.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">3-Aug-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>Xiaogeng Li, an NED, <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0803/2020080300015.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resigned</a>, ceasing her membership of the audit and compliance committee</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">3-Aug-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>The CSRC <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0803/2020080300019.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">completed</a> its (two-week) investigation and dished out some fines to UCAR and certain directors/senior management. </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">20-Aug-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p>A Reuters article suggests MBK is kicking tyres</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 115.258px;">10-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 588.274px;">
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/car-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:942:1" rel="noopener">Car Inc (699 HK)</a> <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/1110/2020111001297.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the S&amp;P with UCAR, BAIC is terminated. MBK Partners to acquire ~20.86% of shares in Car for HK$1.77bn ($4/share).</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="content-caption">
<p style="text-align: left;">Source: HKEx filings</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<h3>The NEW News</h3>
</div>
<div>
<p>MBK has now <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/1113/2020111301538.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tabled</a> a pre-conditional general cash Offer of $4.00/share, a 17.99% premium to last close. There are no outstanding dividends and no dividends are expected to be declared or paid during the Offer.</p>
<p>Pre-conditions include anti-trust approval, no default on any bonds or debt; and the Offer not triggering a "change of control" in the bond/debt instruments. Interestingly, all pre-conditions can be waived by MBK. </p>
<p>The Offer is conditional on MBK holding 50% of the voting rights in Car. Irrevocables (namely Legend Holdings) holding 26.55% have agreed to tender into the Offer. Together with the 20.86% from the SPA with UCAR, MBK will hold a minimum of 47.41% of shares out. Clearing the 50% looks like a lock.</p>
<p>MBK intends to maintain Car's listing.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>More below the fold.</p>
</div>


Car Inc (699 HK)'s cratered 54% on the 3 April before being suspended, given the management crossover with scandal-hit Luckin Coffee (LK US). Charles Zhengyao Lu, the largest shareholder in Luckin, was also a major (indirect) shareholder and chairman in Car.
Car qualified that while Lu was a shareholder and chairman of Luckin Coffee, "he resigned from the role of Chief Executive Officer and became a Non-executive Director of Car in April 2016" and "has not been involved in the Group’s day-to-day management since then". In addition, Jian Liu, COO of Luckin and widely understood to be the orchestrator of Luckin's internal issues, "ceased his employment as a department director" with Car in 2015." 


A detailed rundown of these events can be found in Car Inc (699 HK) - Needs A Hire Purpose.
According to a Reuters' article on the 20 August, an MBK consortium had been in negotiations with SOE Jinggangshan BAIC with respect to its ~29% stake in Car, with a possible view to taking Car private. This was discussed in Car Inc (699 HK): MBK Takes A Turn At The Wheel. A HKEx disclosure filing on the 24 July showed BAIC with 28.92%, given the SPAs with UCAR &amp; Warburg Pincus/Amber.
On the 10 November, Car announced the SPA between UCAR and BAIC had terminated. Separately, MBK Partners had entered into a SPA to acquire ~20.86% of shares in Car for HK$1.77bn ($4.00/share) from UCAR.


A summary of announcements below brings you up to date.:







Date


Data in the Date



9-Apr-20
Car's largest shareholder, sold 44.666mn shares, or 2.11% of shares out, on the day Car's shares collapsed. NOT a good look. UCAR held ~27.65% of shares out in Car after the sale. Lu is the controller of UCAR with a 39.94% stake.  UCAR sold a further 100k shares (0.0047% of shares out) on the 11 May, and 7.085mn shares (0.33%) between the 12 May and 22 June.


16-Apr-20

Amber Gem entered into a SPA with UCAR to acquire 98.6mn shares (4.65% of shares out - known as the first tranche) from UCAR at HK$2.30/share; and 264.08mn shares (12.46% of shares out - the second tranche) at HK$3.40/share. This works out to an average price of $3.10/share.

At the time of the SPA, Amber Gem held 10.11%. According to the 2019 annual report (page 49), Warburg Pincus holds a 60.47% stake in Amber Gem. 



1-Jun-20

Car announced Amber Gem and UCAR had terminated their second tranche. The first tranche appears to have been completed on the 30 May, lifting Amber Gem's stake to 14.76%.

Separately  UCAR and BAIC Group entered into a non-legally binding strategic cooperation agreement, such that BAIC would acquire 450.79mn shares in Car, or 21.26% of shares out, from UCAR.



9-Jun-20
Lu resigned as Chairman and NED, with effect from June 9 (i.e. immediate).


2-Jul-20

Car announced UCAR had entered into an offer letter with SAIC Motor (600104 CH) such that SAIC will acquire UCAR's 20.87% stake in Car at HK$3.10.

Separately, SAIC entered into an offer letter with Amber Gem to acquire an 8.05% stake in Car, also at HK$3.10/share.  The completion of these Offer letters would result in SAIC holding 28.92%, below the 30% mandatory general offer threshold.



20-Jul-20

Car announced that UCAR has terminated its agreement with SAIC; and that UCAR had now entered into a SPA with Jinggangshan BAIC to acquire its 20.87% stake in Car at HK$3.10/share. Jinggangshan BAIC also signed an offer letter with Amber Gem to acquire an 8.04% of shares out (@ HK$3.10/share) - to collectively give Jinggangshan BAIC 28.91%. Amber Gem would be left holding 6.7% of shares out. 

Car announced that it has been informed that "UCAR has received a notice from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (and that the) CSRC has initiated an investigation on UCAR in connection with suspected violations of information disclosure laws and regulations by UCAR". 



24-Jul-20

Profit warning. Car expects a net loss n the 1H20 vs. net profit of RMB279mn in 1H19. Looking at impairment charges with respect to is vehicle fleet of RMB2.5bn-3RMBbn. 



26-Jul-20

Amber Gem and Jinggangshan BAIC entered into a SPA such that BAIC acquires 170.72mn shares (8.05% of shares out) from Amber at $3.10/share.



3-Aug-20

Xiaogeng Li, an NED, resigned, ceasing her membership of the audit and compliance committee



3-Aug-20

The CSRC completed its (two-week) investigation and dished out some fines to UCAR and certain directors/senior management. 



20-Aug-20

A Reuters article suggests MBK is kicking tyres



10-Nov-20

Car Inc (699 HK) announced the S&amp;P with UCAR, BAIC is terminated. MBK Partners to acquire ~20.86% of shares in Car for HK$1.77bn ($4/share).








Source: HKEx filings



The NEW News


MBK has now tabled a pre-conditional general cash Offer of $4.00/share, a 17.99% premium to last close. There are no outstanding dividends and no dividends are expected to be declared or paid during the Offer.
Pre-conditions include anti-trust approval, no default on any bonds or debt; and the Offer not triggering a "change of control" in the bond/debt instruments. Interestingly, all pre-conditions can be waived by MBK. 
The Offer is conditional on MBK holding 50% of the voting rights in Car. Irrevocables (namely Legend Holdings) holding 26.55% have agreed to tender into the Offer. Together with the 20.86% from the SPA with UCAR, MBK will hold a minimum of 47.41% of shares out. Clearing the 50% looks like a lock.
MBK intends to maintain Car's listing.


More below the fold.


<div>
<p>Back on the 13 September 2019, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent Holdings (700 HK)</a> and Hammer Capital tabled a preliminary non-binding <a href="http://ir.bitauto.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bitauto-announces-receipt-preliminary-non-binding-going-private" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proposal</a> for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bitauto-holdings-ltd-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12004:1" rel="noopener">Bitauto Holdings Ltd Adr (BITA US)</a> at US$16/ADS, a ~20.6% premium to last close.</p>
<p>On the 12 June of this year, Bitauto <a href="http://ir.bitauto.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bitauto-enters-definitive-agreement-going-private-transaction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> it had entered into a definitive Merger Agreement with Tencent and Hammer at US$16/ADS. Shareholders holding 55.3% of shares out have agreed to vote in favour of the Merger. The proposal required two-thirds. As discussed in <a href="https://skr.ma/BkDTp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">T<em>encent's Potential Downstream Offer For Yixin</em></a> and <em><a href="https://skr.ma/dCrB8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bitauto (BITA US): Done Deal. Keep An Eye on Yixin's MGO</a></em>, the deal was done.</p>
<p>Bitauto shareholders <a href="https://ir.bitauto.com/static-files/e04db9da-f521-4630-9b28-4db300df73a7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> the merger plan on the 23 October - 88.9% of shares out attended the vote (present or via proxy), 99.9% of which voted for the merger.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>Bitauto owns ~43.72% of shares out in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yixin-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26008:1" rel="noopener">Yixin Group Ltd (2858 HK)</a>. Tencent holds 20.58%, JD.com 10.73%, and Hammer 1.48%. Once the Bitauto proposal completes, there will be a change in statutory control in Yixin, obligating Tencent and concert parties to make an <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0615/2020061501449.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unconditional mandatory general</a> offer (MGO). The downstream Offer will be HK$1.9088/share.</p>
<p><strong>The New News</strong></p>
<p>All conditions to the Bitauto merger were fulfilled on the <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/1106/2020110600073.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4 November</a>. The MGO is now triggered. The Composite Document is expected to be despatched on or before the 11 November, following which the offer will be open to acceptances.</p>
<p>More below the fold.</p>
</div>
<div></div>
<div>
<p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p></p>
</div>


Back on the 13 September 2019, Tencent Holdings (700 HK) and Hammer Capital tabled a preliminary non-binding proposal for Bitauto Holdings Ltd Adr (BITA US) at US$16/ADS, a ~20.6% premium to last close.
On the 12 June of this year, Bitauto announced it had entered into a definitive Merger Agreement with Tencent and Hammer at US$16/ADS. Shareholders holding 55.3% of shares out have agreed to vote in favour of the Merger. The proposal required two-thirds. As discussed in Tencent's Potential Downstream Offer For Yixin and Bitauto (BITA US): Done Deal. Keep An Eye on Yixin's MGO, the deal was done.
Bitauto shareholders approved the merger plan on the 23 October - 88.9% of shares out attended the vote (present or via proxy), 99.9% of which voted for the merger.


Bitauto owns ~43.72% of shares out in Yixin Group Ltd (2858 HK). Tencent holds 20.58%, JD.com 10.73%, and Hammer 1.48%. Once the Bitauto proposal completes, there will be a change in statutory control in Yixin, obligating Tencent and concert parties to make an unconditional mandatory general offer (MGO). The downstream Offer will be HK$1.9088/share.
The New News
All conditions to the Bitauto merger were fulfilled on the 4 November. The MGO is now triggered. The Composite Document is expected to be despatched on or before the 11 November, following which the offer will be open to acceptances.
More below the fold.









Yixin (2858 HK)’s Downstream Unconditional MGO

China

Bitauto Holdings Ltd. operates Internet websites.  The websites offer consumers new and used automobile pricing information, specifications, reviews, and consumer feedback.  The Company also places data from its dealer customers on partner websites.

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Bitauto Holdings (BITA US)

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