Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the integration of major securities firms led by CICC, highlighting its industry strength and the historical relationship between CICC and the investment firm Dinghui, particularly through the case study of Nanfu Battery [1][3][6]. Group 1: CICC and Industry Dynamics - CICC, despite losing several key figures this year, continues to lead the integration of securities firms, demonstrating its strength and position in the industry [2][3]. - The integration of CICC, Dongxing Securities, and Xinda Securities may signify a trend towards consolidation in the securities industry, following the previous merger of Guotai Junan and Haitong [1]. Group 2: Dinghui Investment and Nanfu Battery - Dinghui Investment, established in 1995 as CICC's direct investment department, has a long-standing relationship with Nanfu Battery, which dates back over 20 years [6][8]. - The history of Nanfu Battery includes its establishment in 1988 through a joint venture, and by 1999, it had achieved a 50% market share globally, prompting the Fujian government to consider its listing [12][14]. - CICC was invited by the Fujian government in 1999 to help facilitate Nanfu's potential listing, involving international investors like Morgan Stanley and the Singapore Government Investment Corporation [15][16]. Group 3: Acquisition and Sale of Nanfu Battery - Dinghui sold Nanfu Battery to Gillette in 2003 after initially acquiring it through a joint venture, which led to a series of challenges for the brand under foreign ownership [19][20]. - Under Gillette and later Procter & Gamble, Nanfu faced restrictions on exports and was forced to shift its sales strategy, which negatively impacted its development [22][23]. - In 2014, Dinghui reacquired Nanfu Battery for $580 million after Procter & Gamble decided to divest non-core brands, marking a significant turnaround for the company [26]. Group 4: Financial Maneuvering and Challenges - Following the reacquisition, Dinghui attempted to facilitate Nanfu's listing through a series of complex financial maneuvers involving the establishment of a shell company, which ultimately faced setbacks [30][33]. - The valuation of Nanfu Battery significantly decreased over the years, with a 2021 acquisition valuing it at approximately 5.5 billion yuan, compared to previous valuations of 10.7 billion and 14 billion yuan in 2017 and 2018 respectively [38]. Group 5: Key Figures in Nanfu's History - Two key figures, Chen Laimao and Cai Yunqi, played crucial roles in advocating for Nanfu's interests during its tumultuous years under foreign ownership, with Chen being a founding member and former chairman [41][42]. - Cai Yunqi, as a manager at the employee stockholding platform, was instrumental in legal actions against Gillette and Procter & Gamble to protect Nanfu's brand and market position [42].
中金、鼎晖，以及民族品牌南孚电池