第一财经·2025-10-09 13:18Core Viewpoint - HSBC Holdings plans to privatize Hang Seng Bank at a price of HKD 155 per share, totaling HKD 106.156 billion, which represents a premium of over 30% compared to the last trading price of HKD 119 per share [3][4]. Group 1: Privatization Details - HSBC Asia has requested the board of Hang Seng Bank to present a proposal for privatization, with HSBC Asia currently holding 63.34% of Hang Seng Bank's shares [4]. - The proposed price of HKD 155 per share is higher than the highest share price reported since March 2022, which was HKD 154 [4]. - The plan aims to provide immediate liquidity to shareholders and reflects the potential value of Hang Seng Bank's future business development [5]. Group 2: Financial Implications - HSBC and its financial advisors have confirmed sufficient financial resources to pay the proposed price to shareholders, and HSBC will not repurchase its own shares in the next three quarters [5]. - JPMorgan believes the transaction may cause short-term pain but will have long-term positive effects on HSBC, including revenue synergies and cost optimization [5]. - The privatization reflects confidence in Hang Seng Bank's future and demonstrates HSBC's strategic positioning in the Asian market [5]. Group 3: Operational Efficiency - The privatization is expected to streamline HSBC's business structure in Hong Kong, enhance decision-making flexibility, and improve operational risk management [6]. - HSBC anticipates closer synergies with Hang Seng Bank, which will enhance operational efficiency [6]. Group 4: Current Challenges - Hang Seng Bank has faced significant pressure from real estate credit, reporting a 28.39% year-on-year decline in pre-tax profit for the first half of the year, amounting to HKD 8.097 billion [7]. - The bank's expected credit loss provisions increased significantly, with total impaired loans rising from HKD 51 billion at the end of 2024 to HKD 55 billion by mid-2025 [7]. - The overall non-performing loan ratio has risen to 6.69%, primarily due to pressures in the commercial real estate sector [8].