Update | Wanda says its US$1.5b Australia projects ‘progressing well’, flatly denying reports they are up for sale
Shares in Hong Kong listed subsidiary Wanda Hotel Development Company surge more than 9pc after denial
Dalian Wanda Group has underlined that two of its US$1.5 billion Australia projects are “progressing well”, denying earlier reports it was in talks with a Hong Kong buyer to sell them both.
Wanda Hotel Development Company, a subsidiary, issued an announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange at noon on Tuesday, saying it understands enquiries about the possible disposal of the group’s Australia assets are “reasonable in the circumstances”, but added it had no plans to sell the buildings at present.
“Having made such enquiries internally as is reasonable in the circumstances, the company wishes to clarify that, as of the date of this announcement, the company does not have any plan to make the said disposals referred to in the media reports, and thus such information is incorrect,” Wanda Hotel Development said in the statement. “Both projects are progressing as planned.”
John Wei, managing director of Wanda One Sydney, also told the South China Morning Post the construction of the two projects is “moving forward smoothly”.
Wanda has never had any negotiations with any party. The construction of the two projects is moving forward smoothly, and apartment sales remain strong
“Wanda has never had any negotiations with any party. The construction of the two projects is moving forward smoothly, and apartment sales remain strong,” said Wei, adding that reports the property giant is fielding offers to sell the two projects in Australia are completely false.
The Chinese conglomerate was previously reported to be in discussion with a Hong Kong buyer to sell its A$1 billion (US$792 million) Circular Quay apartment and hotel tower in Sydney, as well as its A$900 million Jewel resort on the Gold Coast, according to the Australian Financial Review.