HK IPOs set to hit annual record in 2021, KPMG forecasts

Sep 30, 2021 08:00 JST

Source: KPMG

HONG KONG, Sep 30, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - The IPO pipeline in Hong Kong remains robust with more than 200 companies seeking listings by the end of Q3. KPMG forecasts HK to see a record-breaking annual fundraising amount of HKD500 billion over 2021.

KPMG's mainland China and HK 2021 Q3 IPO Review shows that, globally, total funds raised reached USD330 billion during 2021 Q3 YTD, soaring to a 5-year high. The US, HK and A-share markets continue to lead the market, raising over a total of USD211.4 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2021.

Paul Lau, Partner, Head of Capital Markets, KPMG China, says: "Market sentiment stayed strong amid an improving economic outlook in major economies and ample liquidity. With healthy pipelines in the US, HK and A-share IPO markets, we believe the global IPO market will remain active for the rest of the year."

In terms of IPO proceeds, the Shanghai Stock Exchange ranked third among the top five stock exchanges year-to-date, with the Hong Kong Exchange following in fourth at USD35.7 billion. TMT, Industrials and Healthcare/Life Sciences were the top sectors, contributing over 69% of total funds raised in the US, HK and A-share markets.

In mainland China, the A-share IPO market witnessed a record high fundraising in 2021 Q3 YTD, recording 382 deals and raising a total of RMB 408.9 billion, driven by the continued popularity of STAR and ChiNext boards. Louis Lau, Partner, Capital Markets Advisory Group, KPMG China, adds: "By deepening the reform of the New Third Board and setting up the Beijing Stock Exchange as the primary platform serving innovation-oriented SMEs, China has shown its commitment to the on-going enhancement of the multi-level capital market in mainland China."

The HK IPO market posted its strongest Q3 YTD performance in terms of total proceeds, recording 73 deals and raising HKD288.5 billion during the period. Chinese technology companies continue to be the top contributor in terms of funds raised - representing four out of the top 10 IPOs in terms of proceeds. KPMG expects Hong Kong to be among the top listing destinations for these companies in 2021 as new economy companies from mainland China continue to choose HK.

Irene Chu, Partner, Head of New Economy and Life Sciences, Hong Kong, KPMG China, says: "The recent market consultation on SPACs underlines the exchange's continued efforts to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of the HK capital market. The impending SPAC regime in Hong Kong could become an attractive fundraising channel for high growth, innovative and new economy companies from China and other regions."

Hong Kong continues to be the natural choice for homecomings of US-listed mainland Chinese companies. During the period, two US-listed Chinese electric-vehicle makers completed dual primary listings in HK, raising a total of HKD29.5 billion, representing 10% of total funds raised for 2021 Q3 YTD. With the strategic benefits such as expanding investor base and mitigating market risks, more homecomings of US-listed mainland Chinese companies are expected.

The biotech sector in HK has expanded rapidly since a new listing chapter was added in 2018. Solid market sentiment and investor appetite are present in the biotech sector. As of 22 September, there are 56 active healthcare or life sciences applicants in the pipeline, of which 27 are pre-revenue biotech companies.

*Remarks: Analysis based on data as at 22 September 2021

KPMG's mainland China and HK 2021 Q3 IPO Review can be found at https://tinyurl.com/3w9u9ynx

About KPMG China

KPMG China is based in 29 offices across 26 cities with around 12,000 partners and staff in Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Tianjin, Wuhan, Xiamen, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. Working collaboratively across all these offices, KPMG China can deploy experienced professionals efficiently, wherever our client is located.

KPMG is a global network of professional independent member firms. We operate in 146 countries and territories and have about 227,000 people in FY2020 providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its affiliates provide no client services.

In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in mainland China. KPMG was also the first among the Big Four in mainland China to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership, which it did on 1 August 2012. Additionally, the Hong Kong firm can trace its origins to 1945. This early commitment to the China market, together with an unwavering focus on quality, has been the foundation for the firm's accumulated industry experience, and is reflected in KPMG's appointment to provide multi-disciplinary services (including audit, tax and advisory) to some of China's most prestigious companies.

Media inquiries:
Nina Mehra, KPMG
Email: nina.mehra@kpmg.com

Source: KPMG
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