Core Viewpoint - The valuation of Zeekr (JK.NYSE) has decreased by nearly half in less than two and a half years, with Geely Automobile (00175.HK) announcing a privatization deal costing approximately $2.4 billion [1][2]. Valuation Decline - Geely's acquisition price for Zeekr shares is set at $2.687 per share, translating to a total market value of about $6.88 billion, which is close to a "halving" from the $13 billion valuation during the A-round financing in February 2023 [2][4]. - The A-round financing raised $750 million at a post-money valuation of $13 billion, with participation from notable investors including Mobileye and CATL [2][3]. Industry Context - The global automotive market, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, is experiencing intense competition, leading to downward pressure on valuations across the industry [1][4]. - Analysts suggest that companies need to quickly integrate resources and avoid redundant investments to remain competitive [1][8]. Privatization Rationale - Geely's decision to privatize Zeekr reflects a shift from expansion to resource integration and cost reduction, aiming to eliminate complexities associated with minority shareholders [6][8]. - The privatization will allow Zeekr to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geely, enhancing decision-making efficiency and resource allocation [6][7]. Strategic Advantages - Full ownership of Zeekr will facilitate a unified strategic deployment across Geely's brands, improving collaboration and reducing conflicts with minority shareholders [7][8]. - The move is expected to maximize Zeekr's contribution to market share and profitability, allowing for more agile responses to economic and market challenges [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The valuation of Zeekr (JK.NYSE) has decreased by nearly half in less than two and a half years, prompting Geely Automobile (00175.HK) to announce a privatization plan for Zeekr at a cost of approximately $2.4 billion [1][2][8]. Group 1: Valuation and Financial Details - Geely's acquisition will involve buying all remaining shares of Zeekr, with shareholders given the option of cash or shares as compensation, totaling around $2.4 billion (approximately 172 million RMB) [2]. - Geely currently holds 62.8% of Zeekr, and the privatization price is set at $2.687 per share, which is significantly lower than the $29.76 closing price on July 17, indicating a drastic drop in valuation [2][4]. - Zeekr's valuation fell from $13 billion during a February 2023 funding round to approximately $6.88 billion based on the privatization price, reflecting a near "halving" of its value [2][4]. Group 2: Market Context and Strategic Considerations - The global automotive market, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, is experiencing intense competition, leading to downward pressure on valuations across the industry [1][6][8]. - The decision to privatize is seen as a shift from expansion to resource integration, aimed at reducing costs and eliminating complexities associated with minority shareholders [6][8]. - Full ownership of Zeekr will enhance decision-making efficiency and resource allocation, allowing for a unified strategy across Geely's brands [6][7]. Group 3: Future Implications - The privatization is expected to streamline operations and improve competitive positioning in the global electric vehicle market, as it will eliminate potential conflicts with minority shareholders [6][7]. - Geely aims to create a unified platform for operations, which is anticipated to lead to better synergy between Zeekr and other Geely brands, ultimately enhancing overall operational efficiency [6][7][8].

Core Viewpoint - Geely Holding Group announced the merger of Geely Automobile Holdings and Zeekr Intelligent Technology, aiming to enhance competitiveness and resource integration in the smart electric vehicle sector [2][3][4] Group 1: Merger Details - Geely will acquire all outstanding shares of Zeekr at a price of $2.687 per share, representing a premium of over 4% compared to the previously announced acquisition price [4] - The merger is part of Geely's strategy to deepen resource integration and improve overall competitiveness, aiming to create greater value for shareholders [2][3] Group 2: Strategic Goals - The merger aims to strengthen Geely's global competitiveness and growth in the smart electric vehicle market by combining Zeekr's luxury electric vehicle advantages with Geely's mainstream market foundation [3][4] - Post-merger, Geely will cover various powertrain forms, including fuel, pure electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen electric vehicles, enhancing its market positioning across different segments [3][4] Group 3: Market Outlook - Market analysts view the merger positively, highlighting potential synergies and improved brand positioning under a unified platform, which could enhance competitiveness across Geely's four brands [5][6] - The merger is seen as a strategic move to adapt to the evolving automotive market, focusing on high-quality competition and resource optimization [6][7] Group 4: Financial Performance - Geely's total sales reached 1.9317 million units in the first half of the year, a 30% increase year-on-year, with new energy vehicle sales growing by 73% [9][10] - The company raised its annual sales target from 2.71 million to 3 million units due to strong performance in the first half [10] Group 5: Technological Advancements - Geely has made significant technological breakthroughs, including the launch of a unified intelligent safety driving system and the establishment of a new battery industry group [10] - The company is also expanding its technological reach into areas such as low-altitude economy and satellite operations, enhancing its appeal to investors [10]

Core Viewpoint - Geely Holding Group is advancing its "One Geely" strategy by signing a merger agreement with Zeekr to acquire all outstanding shares, aiming to enhance its global competitiveness in the smart electric vehicle sector [2][4]. Company Developments - Geely plans to pay approximately $2.399 billion (about 17.199 billion RMB) for the full privatization of Zeekr, which will become a wholly-owned subsidiary post-merger [4]. - The merger is expected to be financed through internal resources or debt [4]. - Geely's sales target for 2025 has been raised by about 11%, from 2.71 million to 3 million units, reflecting strong sales growth [3][15]. Market Positioning - The merger aims to combine Zeekr's strengths in the luxury electric vehicle market with Geely's established presence in the mainstream market, enhancing overall competitiveness and corporate value [5]. - Geely's CEO stated that the merger will create a win-win situation and drive superior development for the combined company [5]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Geely's total sales reached 1.4092 million units, a year-on-year increase of 47% [14]. - Zeekr's sales in the first half of 2025 were 90,700 units, a 3% increase year-on-year, while Lynk & Co's sales were 154,100 units, up 22% [16]. Strategic Integration - Following the "Taizhou Declaration," Geely is focusing on strategic integration across its business segments, including Zeekr and Lynk & Co, to enhance collaboration in technology, product development, and market expansion [5][6]. - The newly formed Zeekr Technology Group will aim to achieve an annual production and sales volume of one million units by the end of 2026 [6]. Product Development - Zeekr's product lineup includes several models, with an average vehicle price of nearly 300,000 RMB and a highest price close to 900,000 RMB, positioning it firmly in the high-end luxury market [18]. - The upcoming launch of the full-size ultra-luxury SUV, Zeekr 9X, is expected to further enrich the product matrix [17].

Company Overview - Zeekr Group is a leading premium new energy vehicle group headquartered in Zhejiang, China, under Geely Holding Group [2] - The company operates two brands, Lynk & Co and Zeekr, and aims to create a fully integrated user ecosystem with a focus on innovation [2] - Zeekr Group is developing its own software systems, e-powertrain, and electric vehicle supply chain, emphasizing values of equality, diversity, and sustainability [2] Financial Reporting - Zeekr Group will report its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, before the U.S. markets open on August 14, 2025 [1]

Group 1 - BYD announced the launch of its car-to-phone connectivity feature across all its brands, compatible with major domestic smartphone brands [1] - Geely Auto signed a merger agreement with Zeekr, with Geely acquiring all remaining shares of Zeekr, offering shareholders cash or shares as compensation [1] - Mercedes-Benz announced the upcoming launch of its all-electric CLA model in China this fall, featuring locally developed driving assistance technology [1] - Aito's M8 electric version is set to launch in August, equipped with HUAWEI ADS 4 and a CATL 100 kWh battery [1] Group 2 - Zhijie Auto officially unveiled its new logo, symbolizing innovation and defiance of definitions [2] - Lantu Auto's legal department reported malicious rumors targeting the brand, leading to a police report and investigation into a specific brand's agency [2] - XPeng Huitian completed a $250 million Series B financing round to accelerate the development and mass production of its flying car [2] - Global sales of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles increased by 24% year-on-year in June, reaching 1.8 million units [2] Group 3 - Tesla opened its first showroom in Mumbai, India, and announced the pricing for the Model Y, starting at approximately $69,757 [3] Group 4 - Nissan announced the closure of its Zama plant in Japan by the end of the 2027 fiscal year as part of a global restructuring plan [4] - General Motors plans to produce low-cost batteries at its Ultium Cells joint venture with LG Energy Solutions in the U.S. [4] - Volvo announced a one-time charge of approximately $1.2 billion due to U.S. tariffs and delays in launching key models [4] Group 5 - Renault Group appointed Duncan Minto as interim CEO, effective July 15, until a new CEO is officially appointed [5]

Group 1 - Nvidia's H20 chip is set to return to the Chinese market, with Tencent and ByteDance potentially being the first buyers after receiving export approval from the U.S. government [3][5] - Nvidia's stock rose by 4.04% to $170.7, increasing its market capitalization by $161.8 billion (approximately 1160.5 billion RMB) overnight [3] - WM Motor has announced plans to resume production and aims to produce 1 million vehicles by 2030, with projected revenue of 120 billion RMB [3][5][6] Group 2 - Geely Holding Group has signed a merger agreement with Zeekr, with Zeekr shareholders having the option to receive cash or exchange for Geely shares [6] - JD Health has opened its first self-operated medical beauty clinic in Beijing, with plans for a second location, but currently lacks corresponding subsidy policies [8] - Pop Mart anticipates a revenue increase of no less than 200% and a profit increase of no less than 350% for the six months ending June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024 [8] Group 3 - The U.S. startup financing reached $162.8 billion in the first half of the year, a 75.6% increase year-on-year, driven largely by investments in artificial intelligence [29] - IDC reported a 4% year-on-year decline in China's smartphone shipments in Q2 2025, with Huawei regaining the top market position after more than four years [30]

Core Viewpoint - Geely has signed a merger agreement to acquire all remaining shares of Zeekr, aiming to enhance synergy and growth potential in the electric vehicle market [1][2][12]. Summary by Sections Merger Agreement - Geely announced the formal signing of a merger agreement with Zeekr, intending to acquire the remaining shares not already owned [1]. - The acquisition price has been increased to $2.687 per share for Zeekr, representing a premium of over 4% compared to the previous offer [2][5]. Financial Implications - The total cost for Geely to acquire the remaining 34.3% of Zeekr shares is approximately $2.399 billion (around ¥172 billion) [5]. - If all shareholders opt for cash, Geely will need to spend about $2 billion more than the initial offer [6]. - Geely's cash reserves as of March 31, 2025, were reported at ¥35.2 billion, significantly lower than BYD's reserves [6]. Shareholder Options - Zeekr shareholders can choose between cash or exchanging their shares for Geely shares, with a conversion rate of 1.23 Geely shares for each Zeekr share [6][11]. - This provides liquidity options for Zeekr shareholders while allowing them to benefit from Geely's growth post-merger [11]. Strategic Timing - The timing of the privatization is seen as advantageous due to the trend of Chinese companies returning to the domestic market, reducing delisting risks [2][11]. Operational Integration - The merger is expected to be completed by Q4 2025, with Zeekr set to delist from the New York Stock Exchange [3]. - Post-merger, Geely plans to streamline operations and enhance internal integration, including management and organizational changes [12][17]. Market Position - Geely's sales in the first half of 2025 reached 1.932 million units, a 30% increase year-on-year, with a significant rise in new energy vehicle sales [15]. - The merger is a strategic move to reclaim the title of "self-owned vehicle leader" from BYD, with a sales target increase from 2.71 million to 3 million units [15]. Synergy and Cost Savings - The merger is projected to yield significant cost savings in R&D, procurement, and management, enhancing Geely's competitive edge [17]. - The integration aims to clarify product lines and reduce resource wastage, positioning Geely favorably for future competition [17].

Core Viewpoint - Geely Holding Group has signed a merger agreement with Zeekr Intelligent Technology, marking a significant step in its strategy to unify under "One Geely" and enhance its competitive position in the automotive market [1][3]. Summary by Sections Merger Agreement - Geely Auto will acquire all outstanding shares of Zeekr, allowing Zeekr shareholders to choose between cash or Geely shares as compensation [1]. - The privatization of Zeekr is expected to cost Geely Auto approximately $2.399 billion, equivalent to about 17.199 billion RMB [1]. Financial Performance of Zeekr - As of December 31, 2024, Zeekr reported total assets of 32.671 billion RMB, total liabilities of 42.824 billion RMB, and a net asset deficit of 10.153 billion RMB [3]. - Zeekr's total revenues for 2023 and 2024 were 51.673 billion RMB and 75.913 billion RMB, respectively, with net losses of 8.264 billion RMB and 5.791 billion RMB [3]. Strategic Integration - The merger aims to leverage Zeekr's strengths in the luxury electric vehicle sector alongside Geely's established presence in the mainstream market, enhancing collaboration across technology, products, supply chains, and marketing [3]. - Post-merger, Geely Auto will cover a wide range of powertrain options, including fuel, pure electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen electric vehicles, thereby strengthening its market position across various segments [3]. Sales Performance - Geely Auto reported a total vehicle sales volume of approximately 236,000 units in June 2025, a year-on-year increase of about 42%, with a cumulative sales volume of 1.409 million units in the first half of the year, up 47% [4]. - The sales target for the year has been raised from 2.71 million units to 3 million units due to strong sales performance in the first half [5].

Core Viewpoint - Geely Holding Group announced the signing of a merger agreement between Geely Automobile Holdings and Zeekr Intelligent Technology, with Geely acquiring all outstanding shares of Zeekr, allowing shareholders to choose cash or Geely shares as compensation [2][3]. Group 1: Merger Details - The merger will involve Geely acquiring all issued and outstanding shares of Zeekr and its American Depositary Shares, leading to Zeekr's privatization and delisting from the New York Stock Exchange [2]. - Zeekr was listed on the NYSE in May last year, opening at $26 per share, a 23.8% increase from its IPO price of $21, and closing its first trading day at $28.26, a 34.57% gain [2]. Group 2: Strategic Intent - Geely's move to privatize Zeekr aligns with its strategic focus on resource integration and cost reduction, aiming to enhance competitiveness and long-term value [3][4]. - The merger is part of Geely's broader strategic transformation initiated with the "Taizhou Declaration," which emphasizes strategic focus, integration, and collaboration among its brands [3][4]. Group 3: Benefits of the Merger - The merger is expected to enhance Geely's strategic execution efficiency, innovation capability, and profitability, creating greater value for shareholders [4]. - Zeekr's advanced technologies, such as ultra-fast charging and 800V systems, will be integrated into Geely's offerings, boosting its electric vehicle competitiveness [5]. - The combined entity will cover various powertrain forms, including fuel, pure electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen electric, positioning Geely across mainstream, mid-to-high-end, and luxury automotive markets [5].