Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pccw-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:873:1" rel="noopener">PCCW Ltd (8 HK)</a> is selling an initial 26.1% equity stake in its streaming platform Viu, to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/vivendi-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21076:1" rel="noopener">Vivendi SA (VIV FP)</a>'s Canal+, for US$200mn.</li>
<li>Via a staggered investment, Canal+ can increase its equity to US$300mn. In addition, a further investment, at Canal+'s option, could result in increasing its stake in Viu to 51%.  </li>
<li>Elsewhere, PCCW's 18% discount to NAV is the narrowest in over two years.</li>
</ul>



PCCW Ltd (8 HK) is selling an initial 26.1% equity stake in its streaming platform Viu, to Vivendi SA (VIV FP)'s Canal+, for US$200mn.
Via a staggered investment, Canal+ can increase its equity to US$300mn. In addition, a further investment, at Canal+'s option, could result in increasing its stake in Viu to 51%.  
Elsewhere, PCCW's 18% discount to NAV is the narrowest in over two years.


<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hkbn-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:289:1" rel="noopener">HKBN Ltd (1310 HK)</a> spiked 12.3% yesterday in response to media reports (like <a href="https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/202702/China-Mobile-explores-acquiring-Hong-Kong-telecom-firm-HKBN%C2%A0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this one</a>) that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-mobile-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27:1" rel="noopener">China Mobile (941 HK)</a> was running a ruler over the company.</li>
<li>This follows Bloomberg reports last month and in May last year, that I Square's HGC Global Communications and numerous PE outfits were kicking tyres of the Hong Kong broadband play.</li>
<li>Over the weekend, Hong Kong's security chief was quoted as saying "the internet could become a major loophole when maintaining national security". <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hkt-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:874:1" rel="noopener">HKT (6823 HK)</a> is a potential privatisation candidate. </li>
</ul>



HKBN Ltd (1310 HK) spiked 12.3% yesterday in response to media reports (like this one) that China Mobile (941 HK) was running a ruler over the company.
This follows Bloomberg reports last month and in May last year, that I Square's HGC Global Communications and numerous PE outfits were kicking tyres of the Hong Kong broadband play.
Over the weekend, Hong Kong's security chief was quoted as saying "the internet could become a major loophole when maintaining national security". HKT (6823 HK) is a potential privatisation candidate. 


IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/china-mobile-explores-acquiring-hong-kong-telecom-firm-hkbn-sources-2023-04-18/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reuters reported</a> that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-mobile" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:35371:1" rel="noopener">China Mobile (600941 CH)</a> is exploring a potential buyout of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hkbn-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:289:1" rel="noopener">HKBN Ltd (1310 HK)</a>. The shares surged 12.3% to HK$6.57, above I Squared’s rumoured HK$6.00 offer. </li>
<li>To get an idea of the appropriate offer price, we examine shareholding dealings from substantial shareholders. Our analysis suggests that a scheme offer of around HK$8.50 would likely be required.</li>
<li>PAG is also a rumoured bidder. The flurry of interest around HKBN suggests a good probability that one of the bidders will come through with a formal offer.</li>
</ul>



Reuters reported that China Mobile (600941 CH) is exploring a potential buyout of HKBN Ltd (1310 HK). The shares surged 12.3% to HK$6.57, above I Squared’s rumoured HK$6.00 offer. 
To get an idea of the appropriate offer price, we examine shareholding dealings from substantial shareholders. Our analysis suggests that a scheme offer of around HK$8.50 would likely be required.
PAG is also a rumoured bidder. The flurry of interest around HKBN suggests a good probability that one of the bidders will come through with a formal offer.


HKBN (1310 HK): China Mobile Is the Latest to Show Interest

<ul>
<li>Big picture: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-post-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:359:1" rel="noopener">Japan Post (6178 JP)</a> selling 29% of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-post-bank-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:838:1" rel="noopener">Japan Post Bank (7182 JP)</a> is a Very Big Offering at ¥1.236trln. 80/20 dom/international. A TOUGH sell. 1.089bn shares is 4x float. </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/downer-edi-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12350:1" rel="noopener">Downer EDI (DOW AU)</a>'s CEO resigned ahead of announcing accounting irregularities last December. The CFO resigned this week after Downer announced another profit downgrade. Now the chairman is exiting. </li>
<li>Hong Kong broadband play <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hkbn-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:289:1" rel="noopener">HKBN Ltd (1310 HK)</a>said it has been approached by I Squares' HGC. No pricing announced, but talks continue. </li>
</ul>


Big picture: Japan Post (6178 JP) selling 29% of Japan Post Bank (7182 JP) is a Very Big Offering at ¥1.236trln. 80/20 dom/international. A TOUGH sell. 1.089bn shares is 4x float. 

Downer EDI (DOW AU)'s CEO resigned ahead of announcing accounting irregularities last December. The CFO resigned this week after Downer announced another profit downgrade. Now the chairman is exiting. 
Hong Kong broadband play HKBN Ltd (1310 HK)said it has been approached by I Squares' HGC. No pricing announced, but talks continue. 


Last Week in Event SPACE: Japan Post/Japan Post Bank, Downer, HKBN, Golden Energy

<ul>
<li>
Reportedly (Bloomberg) Hong Kong broadband play <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hkbn-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:289:1" rel="noopener">HKBN Ltd (1310 HK)</a> has received a takeover offer from  I Square's HGC Global Communications. </li>
<li>HKBN's shares were halted in the late afternoon trading session yesterday after gaining 11.6%. The reason stated for the suspension was "possible inside information", not pursuant to the Takeovers Code. </li>
<li>Last May, Bloomberg reported that KKR, PAG, and Stonepeak - amongst others - were considering bids for HKBN. The market cap at the time was US$1.6bn versus US$934mn now.</li>
</ul>



Reportedly (Bloomberg) Hong Kong broadband play HKBN Ltd (1310 HK) has received a takeover offer from  I Square's HGC Global Communications. 
HKBN's shares were halted in the late afternoon trading session yesterday after gaining 11.6%. The reason stated for the suspension was "possible inside information", not pursuant to the Takeovers Code. 
Last May, Bloomberg reported that KKR, PAG, and Stonepeak - amongst others - were considering bids for HKBN. The market cap at the time was US$1.6bn versus US$934mn now.


HKBN Ltd (1310 HK) Mulls I Square's HGC Offer

Hong Kong

HKT is Hong Kong's premier telecommunications service provider and a leading innovator, offering fixed-line, mobile, broadband internet, and media entertainment services. The company also provides enterprise solutions, digital ventures, and other services such as its loyalty program, financial services, and health technology. HKT was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, with its origins tracing back to the Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited established in 1925.

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HKT (6823 HK)

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Last Week in Event SPACE: Japan Post/Japan Post Bank, Downer, HKBN, Golden Energy

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HKBN Ltd (1310 HK) Mulls I Square's HGC Offer

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David Blennerhassett

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