China Renaissance, one of the country's top dealmakers in its tech industry, has suspended trading and delayed its annual results due to the disappearance of its founder, Bao Fan. The 52-year-old started the boutique investment bank in 2005 but has been unreachable since mid-February.
Shares in China Renaissance have plummeted by as much as 50% during this time, with investors growing increasingly concerned about the future of the company. In a late February statement, China Renaissance said Bao was "cooperating in an investigation" being carried out by certain authorities in the country, but no further details were provided.
There are also reports that Bao may be assisting in an investigation related to a former executive at China Renaissance. The Chinese media have speculated about the reasons behind Bao's disappearance, including potential involvement in an investigation into Liu Liange, a former party secretary and chairman of Bank of China.
Liu is suspected of "serious violations of discipline and law" by President Xi Jinping's administration. He is among the most senior financial executives targeted in a broader crackdown on corruption in the country's financial sector.
Bao was known as a veteran dealmaker who worked closely with top technology companies in China, including Meituan and Dianping. His team has also invested in US-listed Chinese electric vehicle makers Nio and Li Auto, and helped Chinese internet giants Baidu and JD.com complete their secondary listings in Hong Kong.
The suspension of trading and delay in the release of China Renaissance's annual results will likely have significant implications for investors and stakeholders. The company's board was unable to give an estimate about when it would be able to approve its audited results or dispatch its annual report by April 30, as required by Hong Kong's listing rules.
The disappearance of Bao Fan has raised concerns about the stability and security of China Renaissance's operations, and the impact on investors who have put their faith in the company. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen what will happen next for China Renaissance and its founder, Bao Fan.
Shares in China Renaissance have plummeted by as much as 50% during this time, with investors growing increasingly concerned about the future of the company. In a late February statement, China Renaissance said Bao was "cooperating in an investigation" being carried out by certain authorities in the country, but no further details were provided.
There are also reports that Bao may be assisting in an investigation related to a former executive at China Renaissance. The Chinese media have speculated about the reasons behind Bao's disappearance, including potential involvement in an investigation into Liu Liange, a former party secretary and chairman of Bank of China.
Liu is suspected of "serious violations of discipline and law" by President Xi Jinping's administration. He is among the most senior financial executives targeted in a broader crackdown on corruption in the country's financial sector.
Bao was known as a veteran dealmaker who worked closely with top technology companies in China, including Meituan and Dianping. His team has also invested in US-listed Chinese electric vehicle makers Nio and Li Auto, and helped Chinese internet giants Baidu and JD.com complete their secondary listings in Hong Kong.
The suspension of trading and delay in the release of China Renaissance's annual results will likely have significant implications for investors and stakeholders. The company's board was unable to give an estimate about when it would be able to approve its audited results or dispatch its annual report by April 30, as required by Hong Kong's listing rules.
The disappearance of Bao Fan has raised concerns about the stability and security of China Renaissance's operations, and the impact on investors who have put their faith in the company. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen what will happen next for China Renaissance and its founder, Bao Fan.