七旬董事长遭留置，万通发展又“变天”

Core Viewpoint - The sudden detention of Wang Yihui, the chairman of Wantong Development, has created significant uncertainty for the company, which is currently undergoing a challenging transformation while facing regulatory scrutiny and financial losses [3][4][7]. Group 1: Company Background and Leadership Changes - Wantong Development, founded in 1991, is a significant player in China's real estate market, with its leadership historically linked to various sectors [9][10]. - Wang Yihui, who took control of the company in 2016, has been pivotal in its strategic shift from real estate to other sectors, including technology [11][12]. - Following Wang's detention on August 18, 2023, the board appointed Qian Jinzhu, the CEO, to assume the chairman's responsibilities, indicating a rapid response to the leadership crisis [4][8]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Transformation Efforts - Wantong Development has struggled financially, reporting losses of 330 million yuan in 2023 and an anticipated 498 million yuan in 2024, with further losses expected in the first half of 2025 [12][13]. - Despite attempts to diversify into sectors like tourism, new energy, and financial services, over 99% of the company's revenue still relies on real estate sales and rentals [13]. - The company announced a controversial acquisition of a 62.98% stake in the loss-making chip company Shudu Technology for 854 million yuan, raising questions about the rationale behind such a move amid ongoing losses [15][17]. Group 3: Market Reaction and Investor Sentiment - Following the announcement of the acquisition, Wantong Development's stock surged by 72% within days, but the news of the chairman's detention led to a dramatic drop, making it the only stock to hit the daily limit down on that day [19][20]. - The stock's volatility has left approximately 68,600 shareholders anxious, with significant capital outflows exceeding 8.4 billion yuan in just two trading days [20]. - The company has committed to continuing its transformation strategy despite the challenges posed by leadership changes and regulatory scrutiny [20][21].