Core Viewpoint - The proposed privatization price for Zeekr is considered too low by at least six minority shareholders, raising concerns about the company's valuation and future prospects [1][3][6]. Group 1: Valuation Concerns - Zeekr's current price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is only 0.63, significantly lower than competitors like Li Auto (1.50), Xpeng (2.19), and Leap Motor [2][3]. - The company's market capitalization stands at $6.8 billion, which reflects a lack of confidence from Wall Street investors [3][5]. Group 2: Privatization Proposal - Geely, the controlling shareholder, proposed to acquire Zeekr at $25.66 per American Depositary Share (ADS), which is a 20% premium over the average price of the last 30 trading days [5]. - The proposal has faced opposition from minority shareholders, including major investors like CATL and Bilibili, who argue that the offer undervalues the company [6][8]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - Zeekr entered the Chinese electric vehicle market later than its competitors, which has contributed to its lower sales figures and valuation [3][8]. - In April, Zeekr's sales were only 13,727 units, compared to competitors like Leap Motor (41,039 units) and Li Auto (33,939 units) [7][8]. Group 4: Regulatory Differences - The differences between U.S. and Hong Kong regulations regarding minority shareholder protections are highlighted, with Hong Kong requiring majority approval from independent shareholders for privatization [7]. - This regulatory environment may influence Geely's decision to potentially raise the offer price to appease dissenting shareholders [8].

Financing Dynamics - Thai company IMCOCO, specializing in the coconut water supply chain, has completed a Pre-A round financing of over 100 million yuan, led by Insignia Ventures Partners and followed by Tiantu Investment. The funds will be used for factory capacity expansion, global branding of its ONLIFE brand, and establishing a headquarters in China [3] - IMCOCO, founded in 2023 and headquartered in Bangkok, operates in four main areas: coconut planting, cross-border trade of coconut products, raw material research and production, and coconut water beverage processing. It boasts the only 10,000-ton coconut water production base in Thailand and a standardized supply system for coconut products globally [3] Brand Dynamics - Ussu Beer has launched a new product called "Dian Chi," entering the functional beverage market. The product features a low-sugar design and is enriched with taurine, vitamins B6 and B12, niacinamide, and Tianshan snow lotus extract, adding a unique regional characteristic [8] - Oreo has announced a collaboration with American artist Selena Gomez to launch a limited edition cookie inspired by her favorite horchata drink. The cookies will be available for pre-sale on June 2 and will feature unique designs, including a collectible cookie with Selena's signature [18][19] Company Performance - Amer Sports reported a 23% year-on-year increase in revenue for Q1 2025, reaching $1.47 billion, driven by strong demand for its brands Arc'teryx and Salomon, particularly in footwear. The company has raised its full-year revenue growth forecast to 15%-17% [20][22] - The market capitalization of Honey Snow Group has surpassed 200 billion HKD, making it the second-largest listed company in Henan, following Muyuan Foods. The stock price reached 535 HKD per share, exceeding Tencent's stock price [12][15] Personnel Dynamics - Gucci has appointed Maria Cristina Lomanto as the new president for the EMEA region, effective June 1, replacing Matteo Mascazzini. Lomanto has extensive experience in the luxury goods industry [24] - Bi Yin Le Fen has announced a managerial change, appointing Xie Yang as the new general manager, following the resignation of the previous general manager Shen Jindong. This move aims to optimize the management structure [27] - Inditex has announced significant personnel changes, including the appointment of Fernando de Bunes Ibarra as the new sustainability director and Ignacio Fernández Fernández as the new general manager, indicating a strategic reshuffle within the company [28]

Core Viewpoint - The latest global sanctions report analyzes the expected changes in sanctions inflation and other significant macro trends that will shape the risk landscape this year [2][3]. Group 1: Global Sanctions Index (GSI) - The Global Sanctions Index (GSI) was officially launched in 2022, focusing on the phenomenon of sanctions inflation, which refers to the rapid and continuous increase in the number of sanctioned individuals globally [3]. - As of March 2025, the total number of sanctioned individuals is nearly 80,000, with an annual sanctions inflation rate of 17.1%, down from 18.9% a year ago [6]. - The GSI has reached 446, representing a 446% increase since the baseline date of January 2017 [6]. Group 2: Key Macro Trends - The report identifies six macro trends that will have profound impacts on the sanctions landscape and compliance teams: - **Super Inflation**: Refers to the rapid and sustained growth in the number of sanctioned individuals over time [8]. - **Divergence**: Highlights the gradual breakdown of global consensus on sanctions, the rise of autonomous sanctions measures, and increasing legal conflicts [9]. - **Complexity**: The complexity of sanctions requires deep professional knowledge [10]. - **Extraterritoriality**: Risks associated with secondary sanctions expand the scope of regulation [11]. - **Privatization**: The responsibility for identifying sanctioned targets has shifted from governments to the private sector, often leading to broad descriptive statements rather than specific names [12]. - **Uncertainty**: A new macro trend identified for 2025, indicating increasing uncertainty in global sanctions [13]. Group 3: Divergence Trend - A significant trend that may intensify is divergence, as the global consensus on sanctions has been gradually eroding since the 9/11 attacks. The percentage of UN consensus-based sanctions has dropped to a historical low of 1.25% as of March 2025 [15]. - The divergence phenomenon has persisted for several years, and the current situation may lead to a highly differentiated new era, particularly in light of the U.S. sanctions against Russia [15].

Core Viewpoint - Skechers, the world's third-largest footwear company, announced its acquisition by Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital for $9.4 billion, marking the largest acquisition in the footwear industry to date. Following the deal, Skechers will go private and delist from the stock market, a move driven by the need to adapt to new tariff policies impacting its profitability [2][5][12]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Market Position - Skechers has seen its revenue nearly double over the past four years, growing from $4.6 billion to approximately $9 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 12.1% in 2024, surpassing Nike and Adidas [7][12]. - The company has maintained a gross margin of around 50%, which has been a core support for its stable profitability [7]. - The majority of Skechers' products are sourced from China and Vietnam, facing tariffs of 145% and 46% respectively, which significantly erodes its price advantage in the market [3][7]. Group 2: Strategic Decisions and Implications - The decision to go private is seen as a necessary step for Skechers to restructure and adapt to the pressures from new trade policies, which have created significant uncertainty in its business model [3][5][12]. - The acquisition by 3G Capital is expected to allow Skechers to optimize its cost structure and pricing strategies, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of its market position in the future [10][12]. - The deal is anticipated to be completed by the third quarter of 2024, with the founding Greenberg family potentially cashing out up to $1.1 billion [4][12]. Group 3: Industry Context and Future Outlook - The acquisition reflects broader challenges faced by the footwear industry, as many brands are grappling with the impact of tariffs and supply chain instability, prompting strategic shifts such as privatization [5][14]. - Other companies in the consumer sector, including toy and automotive giants, are also suspending annual profit forecasts due to similar uncertainties, indicating a potential trend of restructuring across industries reliant on Asian manufacturing [13][14]. - The involvement of 3G Capital, known for its successful restructuring of brands like Anheuser-Busch InBev and Burger King, suggests that Skechers may be positioned for a significant transformation under private ownership [10][12].

Core Viewpoint - Skechers, the third-largest athletic shoe retailer globally, announced a privatization decision in partnership with 3G Capital, which is expected to enhance its long-term strategic focus amid economic uncertainties [2][4][8]. Group 1: Company Overview - Skechers was founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg and is headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, initially selling work boots before expanding into athletic footwear [4]. - The company is known for its comfortable shoe styles priced lower than competitors like Nike and Adidas, and it is one of the largest consumer goods companies led by its founder [4]. - Skechers' sales reached nearly $9 billion in 2024, marking a 12% year-over-year growth, with significant contributions from the Chinese market [5]. Group 2: Privatization Details - On May 5, Skechers announced an agreement with 3G Capital to acquire all outstanding shares at $63 per share, representing a 30% premium over the average stock price over the past 15 days [4]. - Following the acquisition, 3G Capital is expected to hold approximately 80% of the new company, and the current leadership will remain in place [4]. - The transaction has been approved by Skechers' board and is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2025 [4]. Group 3: Market Reaction and Financial Performance - Skechers' stock price surged by 25% following the privatization announcement, marking the highest intraday increase in over seven years [5]. - The company withdrew its full-year 2025 earnings forecast due to economic uncertainties stemming from global trade policies [6]. - In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, Skechers achieved a record quarterly sales of $2.41 billion, with international sales accounting for 65% of total sales [5]. Group 4: Industry Context - The company faces challenges from global trade policy changes, which have been identified as significant risks to its business operations [7]. - Skechers, along with other brands, has expressed concerns over tariffs impacting the footwear industry, highlighting the potential for increased operational risks and consumer demand suppression [7]. - Analysts suggest that privatization may allow Skechers to navigate short-term pressures and focus on long-term strategic adjustments amid trade tensions and economic uncertainty [8].

Group 1 - 3G Capital is set to acquire Skechers for approximately $9.4 billion in cash, offering shareholders two options: $63 per share in cash (a nearly 30% premium over the last closing price) or $57 in cash plus equity in the privatized parent company [1] - The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year, with Skechers continuing to be led by its current executive team [1] - Post-transaction, Skechers will remain a private company and will continue to pursue its strategic initiatives, including product innovation, international market expansion, and investment in technology and infrastructure [1] Group 2 - Skechers, the third-largest athletic footwear company globally, reported sales of $8.97 billion for 2024, with Q1 2025 sales reaching $2.41 billion, a 7.1% increase year-over-year, although slightly below analyst expectations [2] - The company has withdrawn its financial guidance for the year due to macroeconomic uncertainties stemming from global trade policies [2] - The U.S. market accounts for nearly 40% of Skechers' global sales, while Vietnam provides a significant portion of its manufacturing capacity [2] - The privatization will not impact Skechers' operations in China, which is its largest overseas market, with nearly 3,500 retail stores established [2] - Skechers has committed to deepening its market presence in China, emphasizing its long-term strategy of "In China, For China" [2]