Chinese Companies Rush for US Listings ahead of New Rules

An Xpeng Motors showroom at the company's headquarters in Guangzhou, China. Reuters
An Xpeng Motors showroom at the company's headquarters in Guangzhou, China. Reuters
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Chinese Companies Rush for US Listings ahead of New Rules

An Xpeng Motors showroom at the company's headquarters in Guangzhou, China. Reuters
An Xpeng Motors showroom at the company's headquarters in Guangzhou, China. Reuters

The number of US IPOs by Chinese firms jumped in March, as some of them rushed to set up offshore listings before rules take effect that will complicate the process, though with markets jittery, several met with a tepid response.

Seven Chinese firms including Chanson International and Hongli Group have launched public offerings in March to raise a combined $82.3 million, compared with just four in the preceding two months, Reuters reported.

Although the numbers are not huge, the surge stands out since only six mainland China-based companies launched US IPOs in 2022 as Sino-US tensions and in particular strict regulatory scrutiny on both sides hurt investor demand for such listings.

China's new rules, published in February and which take effect on March 31, are aimed at reviving the path for international offerings, which all but disappeared in the wake of regulatory crackdowns beginning in the middle of 2021.

They also impose an approval system on a once freewheeling market, with a focus on national and data security, hence the hurry from some firms to get in ahead of them.

"There is obvious acceleration in Chinese companies seeking US offerings this month, considering the uncertainty posed by the new offshore listing rules," said Stephanie Hu, head of Asia, investment banking at EF Hutton, which was a bookrunner on Chanson's listing.

The new system requires submitting materials to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and getting the green light from relevant government bodies.

That will "reduce regulatory uncertainty" said Mandy Zhu, head of China Global Banking at UBS, and standardize domestic firms' international listings.

It is also likely to be time consuming.

Among the new listings was bakery chain Chanson International, which debuted on the Nasdaq on Thursday.

"It is, indeed, that we don't need to get approval from associated departments of China if we get listed before March 31," chairman and CEO Gang Li told Reuters.

"But we will abide by Chinese rules and carry out all follow-up work cooperation if necessary."

The listing raised a modest $13.6 million, and fell heavily in its first day of trading and closed almost 40% below the issue price, perhaps a sign that markets roiled by banking jitters are in little mood for small Chinese listings.

Earlier in the week, steelmaker Hongli Group, food grain manufacturer YanGuFang International Group and wheelchair-maker Jin Medical International listed in the US, also receiving tepid responses from investors.

Reuters reported on Thursday that London is also courting new Chinese listings.



Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
TT

Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)

flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.
Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer, Airbus said on its website.
The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program."
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality. Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
The addition of the A330-900 aircraft will support flynas' ambitious growth plans. The airline anticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet. The A330-900 offers increased capacity and range at unrivaled seat costs, ensuring flynas can compete effectively in the growing regional market, a key focus area for the airline.
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.