Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant decline in IPOs in the A-share market, with only 100 IPOs completed in 2024, the lowest in a decade. This has led many companies to pivot towards mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as a means to enter the capital market [1]. Summary by Sections M&A Practical Manual Overview - The "M&A Practical Manual" consists of 342 pages and 173,000 words, covering 11 chapters that outline key operational points and common issues from the perspectives of buyers, sellers, and intermediaries in M&A transactions [2]. Implementation Procedures - The manual details various stages of M&A, including due diligence, financial and accounting assessments, organizational structure, risk factors, and common issues that may arise during the process [4]. Pricing and Payment Methods - Chapter 4 discusses four common pricing methods and three evaluation methods, emphasizing the importance of performance guarantees and considerations for setting them [16]. - Chapter 5 focuses on payment methods, including cash payments, stock payments, and zero acquisitions, along with their advantages and disadvantages [21]. Negotiation Techniques - Chapter 6 provides insights into negotiation strategies, including preparation, timing, and tactics to employ during negotiations, highlighting the importance of effective communication [24]. Public Company Acquisitions - Chapter 9 elaborates on the operational logic of acquisitions and major asset restructurings involving public companies, detailing various acquisition methods such as tender offers, agreement acquisitions, and management buyouts, supported by case studies [26][27]. Integration Strategies - The final chapter discusses integration strategies post-acquisition, emphasizing the need for effective communication and collaboration between the acquiring and acquired companies to achieve synergy [28].

Core Viewpoint - The recent dividend plan by Sinovac Biotech has drawn significant attention, with a potential payout of up to $7.5 billion, raising questions about the company's financial strategy amidst ongoing shareholder disputes [1][2]. Dividend Plan - Sinovac Biotech announced three special cash dividends: $55 per share for the first phase, $19 for the second, and a planned $20 to $50 for the third phase, aiming to return cash to shareholders [2][3]. - The first phase of the dividend is set to be paid before a crucial shareholder meeting on July 9, 2025, where board member elections will take place [2][3]. Financial Performance - In 2021, Sinovac reported a net profit of $8.46 billion, but revenues and profits plummeted in 2022, with revenue at $1.493 billion and net profit at $114 million, both down over 90% year-on-year [3][8]. - The company has faced losses in 2023 and the first half of 2024, raising concerns about its ability to sustain such high dividend payouts [3][8]. Shareholder Disputes - The ongoing conflict between the two founding members, Yin Weidong and Pan Aihua, has persisted for nearly a decade, with both sides vying for control of the company [4][5]. - The board's current composition has been challenged, with allegations of governance issues and the legitimacy of board members being questioned [7][9]. Strategic Implications - The board, led by 1Globe, is perceived to be using the dividend strategy as a means to secure shareholder support ahead of the upcoming vote, while also potentially depleting the company's cash reserves [8][9]. - Sinovac's cash and cash equivalents amount to approximately $10.3 billion, and the proposed dividend could consume over 70% of these funds, raising concerns about future operational viability [8][9].

Group 1: On and Canadian Goose Performance - On is accelerating its expansion in China with plans to open over 20 new stores in 2024, aiming for direct sales to contribute 10% of total sales [2] - Canadian Goose reported a 7.9% revenue growth in the Greater China region for Q4 of FY2025, with a 15.2% increase in the Asia-Pacific market for the year, driven by effective marketing strategies [3] Group 2: Luxury Brands and Market Challenges - Chanel's net profit plummeted by 28.2% in FY2024, with total sales down 5.3% to $18.7 billion, marking the first decline in revenue and profit since the pandemic [8] - Victoria's Secret initiated a "poison pill" strategy to fend off hostile takeovers, with its stock price dropping over 50% in the year and a 28% decline in net profit for 2024 [12] Group 3: Inditex and Swatch Group Developments - Inditex announced a management reshuffle focusing on financial optimization and ESG strategies, raising concerns about potential impacts on innovation due to a conservative approach [5] - Swatch Group faced a 70% drop in net profit year-on-year, with a 10.94% decline in stock price, as it resisted external capital intervention from activist investor Steven Wood [6] Group 4: Asics and Amer Sports Growth - Asics achieved quarterly revenue exceeding 200 billion yen, with an 18% increase in net profit, driven by high-end running shoes and a 50% surge in sales from its fashion sub-brand [11] - Amer Sports reported a 23% revenue growth in Q1 2025, with the Greater China region becoming a core growth engine, contributing $446 million in revenue [10] Group 5: Market Exits and Strategic Adjustments - Shiseido announced the exit of its "醉象" brand from the Japanese market, citing a 65% drop in sales due to misalignment with local consumer preferences [10] - The luxury market is facing challenges as brands like Chanel and Victoria's Secret struggle with declining sales and shifting consumer behaviors [8][12]