Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals announced plans to raise up to $1.27 billion (HK$9.89 billion) through an initial public offering in Hong Kong, positioning it as one of the largest offerings in the financial hub this year. The Chinese drugmaker, already listed on the Shanghai exchange, will offer 224.52 million shares at a price range between HK$41.45 and HK$44.05 each.
The 55-year-old pharmaceutical company expects to finalize pricing by May 21 and commence trading in Hong Kong on May 23, according to a filing released Thursday. Hengrui has already secured prominent cornerstone investors including Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, investment management firm Invesco, and private equity firm Hillhouse.
Market Position and Financial Performance
Founded in 1970, Hengrui has established itself as one of China's leading biopharmaceutical companies with a focus on oncology, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The company reported strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2025, with revenue increasing 20% to 7.20 billion yuan (approximately $1 billion).
Hengrui's current market capitalization on the Shanghai exchange stands at approximately 34.10 billion yuan ($4.73 billion), with shares trading at 53.45 yuan as of the announcement date.
Part of Broader IPO Trend in Hong Kong
Hengrui's offering comes amid a significant revival in Hong Kong's IPO market, which has seen increased activity from Chinese companies seeking secondary listings. According to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), funds raised from 17 new listings during the first quarter of the year nearly quadrupled to HK$18.7 billion compared to the same period last year.
"Increased activity from A-share companies has supported an upswing in the city's IPO market this year," HKEX noted in a recent statement.
The pharmaceutical company joins other major Chinese firms looking to capitalize on Hong Kong's financial markets. Electric-vehicle battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) is also preparing for its Hong Kong debut next week, with expectations to raise at least $4 billion.
Strategic Importance of Cornerstone Investors
Securing cornerstone investors GIC, Invesco, and Hillhouse prior to the IPO represents a strategic advantage for Hengrui, particularly in the current market environment. These pre-IPO commitments allow companies to market their offerings more effectively during periods of heightened market volatility.
Citigroup and Morgan Stanley are among the financial institutions advising Hengrui on its Hong Kong listing.
The company's dual listing strategy reflects a growing trend among established Chinese firms seeking to broaden their investor base and enhance their international profile while maintaining their domestic market presence.
