SF Express Holdings (6936.HK), the logistics giant from China, has chosen Hong Kong as its secondary listing market and launches an IPO on November 27, 2024. According to the prospectus, SF Express is experiencing a slowdown in performance growth amidst intensifying competition in the domestic logistics industry. The company intends to allocate a significant portion of the raised funds towards strengthening its international and cross-border logistics capabilities, aiming to leverage the Hong Kong market for international capital raising and to expand into overseas markets beyond the domestic logistics competition.
Acquisition History of Kerry Logistics in 2021
In 2021, SF Express acquired a 51.8% equity interest in Kerry Logistics (636.HK) to venture into overseas markets. The rationale behind the transaction was to leverage Kerry Logistics’ local resources in Southeast Asia and the Americas, complementing SF Express’s capabilities in international express delivery. Through strategic mergers and acquisitions, SF Express achieves synergy in branding, technological acquisition, cost management, and operational systems. Following the secondary listing in Hong Kong, SF Express is expected to pursue similar M&As to rapidly fortify its global logistics network across diverse international markets.
Enhanced M&A and Refinancing Accessibility in the Hong Kong Capital Market
In contrast to the A-share market, which serves as SF Express’s primary listing market, the Hong Kong market offers higher accessibility for M&As as well as refinancing activities. Transactions in the Hong Kong market only necessitate approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (the “SFC”) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (the “HKEx”) (388.HK) through acquisitions or disposals of equity interest, thereby avoiding administrative hurdles and the court systems in the Chinese market. Moreover, the Hong Kong market offers a wide array of refinancing methods, including placements, rights issues, convertible bonds, high-interest bonds, and leveraged financing, providing a conducive environment for corporate financial activities.
Mitigation of Exchange Rate Risk
The overseas expansion aspirations of SF Express entail a substantial demand for foreign currencies, posing challenges due to foreign exchange risk prevalent among Chinese enterprises. The Hong Kong Dollar will be a viable solution, being a freely convertible currency linked to the USD, which offers robust international credibility and liquidity for transactions and investments. Notably, amidst the China-US trade war and fluctuating USD interest rates, the RMB-to-USD exchange rate has exhibited significant downward trend in recent years. Leveraging the Hong Kong market provides global logistics companies like SF Express with diverse foreign capital channels, minimizing exchange rate uncertainties.
Conclusion
SF Express is anticipated to strategically take advantage of its Hong Kong listing as a platform for international capital, propelling its ambitious global expansion and scalability initiatives. Through the Hong Kong capital market, the company stands to benefit from enhanced accessibility for M&A and refinancing activities, as well as the mitigation of exchange rate risk.
Source :
GLOBAL OFFERING
https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/1119/2024111900011.pdf
JOINT ANNOUNCEMENT
https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0210/2021021000043.pdf
SFC – TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS
https://www.sfc.hk/en/Regulatory-functions/Corporates/Takeovers-and-mergers
HKEX – TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS
https://en-rules.hkex.com.hk/rulebook/takeovers-and-mergers-0