Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-15 11:06Core Viewpoint - HSBC Holdings plans to privatize Hang Seng Bank through its wholly-owned subsidiary, HSBC Asia Pacific, with a cash offer of HKD 155 per share, representing a total transaction value of HKD 1,062 billion, marking the largest privatization in Hong Kong's banking sector in nearly a decade [2][4]. Financial Summary - The offer price represents a 30.3% premium over Hang Seng's last trading day closing price of HKD 119 and a 48.6% premium over the average price over the past 360 trading days [4]. - Following the announcement, Hang Seng's stock surged by 41% on October 9, reaching a peak of HKD 168, and closed up 25.88% at HKD 149.8, while HSBC's stock fell by 5.97% to HKD 104, with a cumulative decline of over 7% by October 13 [4]. - Hang Seng Bank's total market capitalization is estimated at HKD 2,903 billion, which is 1.8 times its book value for the first half of 2025, significantly higher than the average of its peers in Hong Kong [4]. Strategic Implications - If the transaction is completed, Hang Seng will cease its public listing after 53 years and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC [5]. - HSBC's CEO emphasized that this move is a significant investment in Hong Kong's economy, reflecting confidence in its role as an international financial center [6]. - The privatization is expected to streamline operations, with an estimated annual cost saving of at least HKD 800 million and a reduction in decision-making processes by over 30% [8]. Market Impact - The privatization is anticipated to reshape the Hong Kong banking landscape, potentially leading to a market structure dominated by HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Bank of China Hong Kong, with the possibility of other smaller banks like East Asia Bank facing challenges [8]. - Following the privatization, only East Asia Bank and Dah Sing Bank are expected to remain as independently listed local banks in Hong Kong [8]. Performance Challenges - Hang Seng Bank has faced significant operational pressures, with a 3% increase in revenue to HKD 20.975 billion in the first half of the year, but a 30.46% drop in net profit to HKD 6.88 billion, resulting in a net profit margin decline from 54.52% to 26.67% [9]. - The bank's asset quality has deteriorated, with total impaired loans reaching HKD 55 billion and a non-performing loan ratio of 6.69% as of June [9]. - The bank has also faced regulatory challenges, including a fine of HKD 66.4 million from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for serious regulatory failures over several years [11].