Head of Research, IPOs & Placements, Aequitas Research

Sumeet Singh

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements

IPOs and Placements coverage across Asia Pacific

Aequitas Research

We cover all listing across the Asia Pacific along with follow-up placements. As of Dec 2020, our team had covered 539 IPOs with a hit rate of 73.5% and 685 placements with a hit rate of 66.8%.

We combine fundamental bottom-up views with our proprietary quantitative framework to provide a holistic coverage across new listings and placements. Our coverage includes pre-IPO notes before the deal is launched, follow-up analysis once the deal is live and post-listing trading analysis as well.

Equity Capital Markets

ANE, an express freight network operator in China for less-than-truckload (LTL) market, aims to raise around US$500m in its Hong Kong IPO. The company is backed by a host of financial investors including Centurium, Carlyle, CDH, CPE, NWS, Ping An, Goldman Sachs and Yili.As per iResearch, ANE’s network was the largest in China in terms of total freight volume over 2017-20 with a market share of 17.2% in 2020.By Dec 2020, it had collaborated with approximately 26,400 freight partners and agents to serve 3.6m shippers across approximately 96% of the counties and townships in China. Both the freight partners and freight agents operate under its brand and are required to adhere to its service guidelines and policies.ANE’s overall volume and top line growth has been decent. However, not all of its offerings have been growing, while some of its revenue growth was driven by accounting changes. Moreover, despite claiming to be the largest player in its segment, it appears to be losing market share and like the rest of the industry, it appears to have little pricing power.

ANE, an express freight network operator in China for less-than-truckload (LTL) market, aims to raise around US$500m in its Hong Kong IPO. The company is backed by a host of financial investors including Centurium, Carlyle, CDH, CPE, NWS, Ping An, Goldman Sachs and Yili.As per iResearch, ANE’s network was the largest in China in terms of total freight volume over 2017-20 with a market share of 17.2% in 2020.By Dec 2020, it had collaborated with approximately 26,400 freight partners and agents to serve 3.6m shippers across approximately 96% of the counties and townships in China. Both the freight partners and freight agents operate under its brand and are required to adhere to its service guidelines and policies.ANE’s overall volume and top line growth has been decent. However, not all of its offerings have been growing, while some of its revenue growth was driven by accounting changes. Moreover, despite claiming to be the largest player in its segment, it appears to be losing market share and like the rest of the industry, it appears to have little pricing power.

ANE Logistics Pre-IPO - Margins Expanding but Appears to Be Falling Behind

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.

Event-Driven

China Logistics Property Holdings / Event-Driven

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-logistics-property-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22799:1" rel="noopener">China Logistics Property Holdings (1589 HK)</a>/CNLP is a leading provider of premium logistics facilities in China. As of 30 June 2021, CNLP had 179 logistics facilities in operation in 38 logistics parks located in logistics hubs in 19 provinces or centrally administered municipalities. After market close on Thursday, CNLP announced that Mr Li Shifa, the founder and the Chairman, is in discussions with a potential purchaser to sell his 26.38% stake in CNLP. If the transaction is completed, it may lead to a change in control and a mandatory general offer (MGO) under Rule 26.1 of the Takeovers Code. The announcement was in response to a Bloomberg article that claimed that <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> is in discussions to purchase Mr Li Shifa along with RRJ Capital’s stake in CNLP at a valuation of about $2 billion (implies a price of HK$4.48 per share). JD.com is the fourth-largest shareholder and represent 10.11% of the outstanding shares. Speculation on the fate of Mr Li Shifa and RRJ Capital’s stakes have been ongoing for several months. On 29 December 2020, CNLP announced that both Mr Li Shifa and RRJ Capital were conducting a preliminary strategic review of their stakes which could lead to a sale of all or part of the stakes. Press reports at that time suggested that Mr Li Shifa and RRJ Capital were looking for around HK$4.70 per share.If JD.com acquires Mr Li Shifa stake it will own 30% or more of the voting rights, which will trigger an MGO under Rule 26.1 of the Takeovers Code. Notably, JD.com is also CNLP’s largest customer accounting for 29.9% of total revenue in 2020.CNLP recently raised HK$767 million through a placement which completed on 17 June 2021. Post the placement, the public float of 24.02% was below the minimum level of 25% as prescribed by Rule 8.08(1)(a) of the Listing Rules. CNLP noted that it is in discussions with various substantial shareholders to place down their shares. <div class="content-highlight">We think the transaction is sensible for JD.com as it provides a quicker "buy" route than the "build" route to securing premium logistics facilities in China. We think that a deal will be struck as an agreement will be beneficial to both sides. At the last close price of HK$4.22, the gross spread to the potential MGO price of HK$4.48 per share implied by a $2 billion valuation is 6.2%. </div>

China Logistics Property Holdings (1589 HK)/CNLP is a leading provider of premium logistics facilities in China. As of 30 June 2021, CNLP had 179 logistics facilities in operation in 38 logistics parks located in logistics hubs in 19 provinces or centrally administered municipalities. After market close on Thursday, CNLP announced that Mr Li Shifa, the founder and the Chairman, is in discussions with a potential purchaser to sell his 26.38% stake in CNLP. If the transaction is completed, it may lead to a change in control and a mandatory general offer (MGO) under Rule 26.1 of the Takeovers Code. The announcement was in response to a Bloomberg article that claimed that JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US) is in discussions to purchase Mr Li Shifa along with RRJ Capital’s stake in CNLP at a valuation of about $2 billion (implies a price of HK$4.48 per share). JD.com is the fourth-largest shareholder and represent 10.11% of the outstanding shares. Speculation on the fate of Mr Li Shifa and RRJ Capital’s stakes have been ongoing for several months. On 29 December 2020, CNLP announced that both Mr Li Shifa and RRJ Capital were conducting a preliminary strategic review of their stakes which could lead to a sale of all or part of the stakes. Press reports at that time suggested that Mr Li Shifa and RRJ Capital were looking for around HK$4.70 per share.If JD.com acquires Mr Li Shifa stake it will own 30% or more of the voting rights, which will trigger an MGO under Rule 26.1 of the Takeovers Code. Notably, JD.com is also CNLP’s largest customer accounting for 29.9% of total revenue in 2020.CNLP recently raised HK$767 million through a placement which completed on 17 June 2021. Post the placement, the public float of 24.02% was below the minimum level of 25% as prescribed by Rule 8.08(1)(a) of the Listing Rules. CNLP noted that it is in discussions with various substantial shareholders to place down their shares. We think the transaction is sensible for JD.com as it provides a quicker "buy" route than the "build" route to securing premium logistics facilities in China. We think that a deal will be struck as an agreement will be beneficial to both sides. At the last close price of HK$4.22, the gross spread to the potential MGO price of HK$4.48 per share implied by a $2 billion valuation is 6.2%. 

China Logistics Property’s Potential MGO from JD.com

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

<div>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/esr-cayman-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27983:1" rel="noopener">ESR Cayman (1821 HK)</a> has <a href="https://links.sgx.com/FileOpen/202108_01%20Major%20and%20Connected%20Transaction%20in%20Relation%20to%20the%20Proposed%20Acquisition%20of%20ARA%20Asset%20Managament%20Limited.ashx?App=Announcement&amp;FileID=677405" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> it is acquiring unlisted ARA Asset Management for US$5.2bn, the completion of which will result in the world's third-largest real estate management company with total assets under management of ~US$129bn.
Under the terms of the US$5,192mn transaction, ESR will issue US$4.7bn via new ESR shares (US$4.286mn) and vendor loan notes (US$387mn); and US$519mn in cash, to be funded by a US$250mn placement to SMBC, and the remainder (US$269mn) in debt. The scrip/cash split is 90/10.
All of the ARA shareholders are rolling over their shares  - and will mostly be subject to a six-month lock-up - and will hold ~28% of the enlarged entity at completion.
The transaction requires the approval from ESR shareholders by way of an ordinary resolution. Irrevocables totaling 4.6%, to vote in favour of the deal, have been received from ESR's founders, together with OMERS and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jd-com-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29043:1" rel="noopener">JD.com Inc. (9618 HK)</a>.
There are various pre-conditions attached to the deal, with an EGM expected to be convened before 31 October. The deal may be wrapped up late 4Q21, early 1Q22.
Much more below the fold. 
</div>


ESR Cayman (1821 HK) has announced it is acquiring unlisted ARA Asset Management for US$5.2bn, the completion of which will result in the world's third-largest real estate management company with total assets under management of ~US$129bn.
Under the terms of the US$5,192mn transaction, ESR will issue US$4.7bn via new ESR shares (US$4.286mn) and vendor loan notes (US$387mn); and US$519mn in cash, to be funded by a US$250mn placement to SMBC, and the remainder (US$269mn) in debt. The scrip/cash split is 90/10.
All of the ARA shareholders are rolling over their shares  - and will mostly be subject to a six-month lock-up - and will hold ~28% of the enlarged entity at completion.
The transaction requires the approval from ESR shareholders by way of an ordinary resolution. Irrevocables totaling 4.6%, to vote in favour of the deal, have been received from ESR's founders, together with OMERS and JD.com Inc. (9618 HK).
There are various pre-conditions attached to the deal, with an EGM expected to be convened before 31 October. The deal may be wrapped up late 4Q21, early 1Q22.
Much more below the fold. 


ESR Cayman (1821 HK) Takes Out ARA Asset Management

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One, Periscope Analytics

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

The Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited (HSIL) announced the results of its review of the Hang Seng Family of Indexes post market close on 26 February. The constituent changes will be effective after the close of trading on 12 March.For the Hang Seng Composite Index (HSCI) there are 36 inclusions and 29 deletions, taking the number of index constituents up to 500.Although there are almost no assets indexed to the HSCI, the index forms the basis of stocks that are eligible for Southbound Stock Connect. Stocks that are included in the HSCI and subsequently included in the Stock Connect program get inflows from mainland investors. Secondary Listings are not eligible for inclusion in the Stock Connect program.Of the 36 inclusions, 4 are already a part of Stock Connect by virtue of having listed A-shares, 2 are Secondary listings and will not be included in Stock Connect, 9 will be added to Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Connect, while 21 stocks will only be added to Shenzhen Stock Connect.Of the 29 index deletions, 13 are not a part of Stock Connect, 7 will continue to remain a part of Stock Connect by virtue of having listed A-shares, while 9 will be deleted from the Stock Connect program.We identify 4 stocks that could sell off ahead of their removal from the Stock Connect Buy list, while Biotech stocks could be in focus ahead of their inclusion in the Stock Connect Buy and Sell list.

The Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited (HSIL) announced the results of its review of the Hang Seng Family of Indexes post market close on 26 February. The constituent changes will be effective after the close of trading on 12 March.For the Hang Seng Composite Index (HSCI) there are 36 inclusions and 29 deletions, taking the number of index constituents up to 500.Although there are almost no assets indexed to the HSCI, the index forms the basis of stocks that are eligible for Southbound Stock Connect. Stocks that are included in the HSCI and subsequently included in the Stock Connect program get inflows from mainland investors. Secondary Listings are not eligible for inclusion in the Stock Connect program.Of the 36 inclusions, 4 are already a part of Stock Connect by virtue of having listed A-shares, 2 are Secondary listings and will not be included in Stock Connect, 9 will be added to Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Connect, while 21 stocks will only be added to Shenzhen Stock Connect.Of the 29 index deletions, 13 are not a part of Stock Connect, 7 will continue to remain a part of Stock Connect by virtue of having listed A-shares, while 9 will be deleted from the Stock Connect program.We identify 4 stocks that could sell off ahead of their removal from the Stock Connect Buy list, while Biotech stocks could be in focus ahead of their inclusion in the Stock Connect Buy and Sell list.

HSCI Index Rebalance & Stock Connect: Inclusions & Exclusions

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport, Tracking Traffic

Daniel Hellberg

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport

Tracking Traffic

Focusing on Asian logistics, transportation, and travel companies

<section class="figure">
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/181/680/original/BANNER-ECM.png?1610253284" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="181680"></figure>
</section>
The goal of this new product is to monitor the progress of upcoming and recently-completed IPOs and deals in the Asian logistics, transportation and travel space. We'll also look at deals in related segments, including eCommerce fulfillment, ride-hailing, online food delivery, and warehousing.
Each issue will feature news and commentary on planned IPOs and other major deals in the logistics space, plus an update on the performance of recent IPOs and deals. We'll also profile a prominent private Asian company in the sector that could soon seek a public listing.  
In this issue we review planned listings from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dida-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29701:1" rel="noopener">Dida (DIDA HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zim-integrated-shipping-services-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31124:1" rel="noopener">ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM US)</a>, check in on the share performance of four recent logistics-related IPOs, and introduce private Hive-Box Holdings (HBH), the world's largest operator of smart lockers.




The goal of this new product is to monitor the progress of upcoming and recently-completed IPOs and deals in the Asian logistics, transportation and travel space. We'll also look at deals in related segments, including eCommerce fulfillment, ride-hailing, online food delivery, and warehousing.
Each issue will feature news and commentary on planned IPOs and other major deals in the logistics space, plus an update on the performance of recent IPOs and deals. We'll also profile a prominent private Asian company in the sector that could soon seek a public listing.  
In this issue we review planned listings from Dida (DIDA HK) and ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM US), check in on the share performance of four recent logistics-related IPOs, and introduce private Hive-Box Holdings (HBH), the world's largest operator of smart lockers. 

TRACKING TRAFFIC/Logistics Capital Markets Monitor | IPOs | M&A | Pre-IPO Profile: Hive-Box Holdings

China

ESR Group Limited operates as an integrated logistics real estate platform. The Company provides real estate private equity fund management, real estate investment trust, and other services. ESR Group conducts businesses in China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, India, New Zealand, and other countries.

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ESR Group (1821 HK)

ANE Logistics Pre-IPO - Margins Expanding but Appears to Be Falling Behind

ANE, an express freight network operator in China for less-than-truckload (LTL) market, aims to raise around US$500m in its Hong Kong IPO.

Sumeet Singh

China Logistics Property’s Potential MGO from JD.com

CNLP announced that Mr Li Shifa is in discussions with a purchaser to sell his 26.38% stake, which may trigger an MGO. The gross spread to the...

Arun George

ESR Cayman (1821 HK) Takes Out ARA Asset Management

This looks like a great deal for ESR. But the company looks full here compared to historical metrics. Plus there is an indication of further...

David Blennerhassett

HSCI Index Rebalance & Stock Connect: Inclusions & Exclusions

There are 36 inclusions/ 29 exclusions for the Hang Seng Composite Index. 9 stocks will be deleted from the Stock Connect Buy list & there are a...

Brian Freitas

TRACKING TRAFFIC/Logistics Capital Markets Monitor | IPOs | M&A | Pre-IPO Profile: Hive-Box Holdings

In this week's Logistics Capital Markets Monitor: updates on ZIM and DiDa ChuXing IPOs, performance of recent IPOs in the Logistics space, and a...

Tracking Traffic

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