Hang Seng Bank shares jump 30% following parent HSBC’s take-private bid, valuing it at over $37 billion

Shares of Hang Seng Bank jumped 29.5% on Thursday after HSBC announced plans to privatize it, valuing the bank at more than HK$290 billion (over $37 billion).

HSBC has asked the board of directors of Hang Seng Bank to present a privatization proposal to shareholders through a plan of arrangement under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

Hang Seng Bank’s shares would be canceled in exchange for HK$155 apiece, approximately 33% above Hang Seng’s average share price over the past 30 days of HK$116.5. HSBC owns about 63% of Hang Seng Bank, bringing the deal value to HK$106 billion.

HSBC shares in Hong Kong fell more than 5%.

“Our offer represents an exciting opportunity to grow both Hang Seng and HSBC,” said Georges Elhedery, group chief executive. “We will preserve Hang Seng’s brand, heritage and customer proposition while investing to unlock new strengths in products, services and technology. »

He added that the deal underlines HSBC’s confidence in Hong Kong’s role as a leading global financial center and as a “super-connector” between international markets and mainland China.

The offer allows for adjustments reflecting any dividend declared after the announcement date, with the exception of Hang Seng’s third interim dividend for 2025.

“One of HSBC’s strategic priorities is to grow in Hong Kong,” the bank said in its statement, adding that it believes it is “best placed” to achieve this by strengthening the Hong Kong banking presence of HSBC Asia Pacific and Hang Seng Bank.

Hang Seng Bank is a central regional unit of HSBC, based in London, with a substantial presence in the Hong Kong banking sector.

“Dual parent-subsidiary listings are inherently problematic in terms of governance and, in that sense, it is a positive and long overdue step,” said Michael Makdad, senior analyst at Morningstar.