Ge Long Hui·2026-02-26 07:15Core Viewpoint - The Li Ka-shing family has sold its UK power network business for over HKD 110 billion, leading to a significant rise in the stock prices of the Cheung Kong Group and its subsidiaries [2][4]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale involves Cheung Kong Infrastructure Group, Power Assets Holdings, and Cheung Kong Property, which sold 40%, 40%, and 20% stakes in UK Power Networks (UKPN) to French utility company Engie for a total of approximately HKD 1,107.5 billion [4]. - The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026 [7]. - UKPN operates a distribution network of about 192,000 kilometers, serving 8.5 million users, and also manages non-regulated businesses [8]. Group 2: Financial Impact - The enterprise value of UKPN is projected to be nearly double its acquisition cost from 2010, with equity value increasing by 3.34 times [9]. - The enterprise value at the time of the transaction is estimated at GBP 16.838 billion (HKD 176.8 billion), and the equity value at GBP 11.078 billion (HKD 116.3 billion) [9]. - Cheung Kong Infrastructure Group anticipates significant accounting gains and cash proceeds from the sale for future investments or acquisitions [10]. Group 3: Strategic Shift - The sale marks a strategic retreat from global expansion to risk reduction amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties [11]. - The Li Ka-shing family has historically been a major investor in the UK, controlling significant portions of the energy and infrastructure sectors [11]. - Recent geopolitical events, including the forced takeover of ports in Panama, have prompted the family to liquidate assets [12][13][14].