李嘉诚又一千亿IPO

Core Viewpoint - Watsons, the pioneer of drugstore retail, is planning a dual listing in Hong Kong and the UK, with a valuation expected to exceed $30 billion (approximately RMB 213.2 billion) [5][8]. Group 1: Company Background - Watsons has a history of approximately 200 years, originating from the establishment of Guangdong Pharmacy in Guangzhou in 1828 [6]. - The company was acquired by Li Ka-shing in 1981 and has since expanded significantly, becoming a major player in the retail sector across various regions [6][7]. Group 2: Recent Developments - The company is reportedly in discussions for a potential IPO, aiming to raise $2 billion or more, which could make it one of the largest consumer retail IPOs in Hong Kong in recent years [8][11]. - Watsons has faced challenges in the Chinese market, with a 3% decline in revenue, marking it as the only market with negative growth [9][10]. Group 3: Market Position and Competition - The competitive landscape has shifted dramatically, with new beauty retail formats capturing the attention of younger consumers, while Watsons struggles to adapt [10]. - The company is undergoing leadership changes and strategic shifts, including plans to open 500 new stores, focusing on lower-tier cities and enhancing its online order fulfillment capabilities [11][12]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The IPO could be a crucial step for Watsons to revitalize its brand and operations amid a recovering market for IPOs in Hong Kong, with significant interest in the consumer sector [11][12].