AS part of the stock exchange's clampdown on back-door listings, China-backed Shougang Holding (Hongkong) has been forced to publicly clarify its intentions after taking major stakes in four Hongkong-listed companies. The unusual move follows the unlisted Hongkong-based group's recent acquisition of substantial amount of shares in Eastern Century Holdings, Kader Investment, Santai Manufacturing and Tung Wing Steel Holdings. In response, Shougang chairman Zhou Beifang said the group had no current plans to dispose of its assets in any of the four companies. However, he would not rule out the possibility that some changes could be made to its activities should the right business opportunities come along. Mr Zhou said: ''The company has no proposals currently under consideration for the acquisition or disposal of the assets of the company or its associates to or from Eastern Century, Kader Investment, Santai or Tung Wing.'' But he added: ''The company also advises that it will continue to assess investment opportunities which have synergy with the existing businesses of its parent as and when they arise.'' Shougang (HK) is a subsidiary of China's biggest steel company, Shougang Corp. While the core business activities of the companies concerned were expected to remain basically the same, Mr Zhou warned that some other changes should be expected. He said it was the intention of the company that the core business of Tung Wing would continue to be steel-related. But directors anticipated that the activities of Santai would be diversified to include steel and electronic-related manufacturing industries which were ancillary and synergetic to the businesses of both companies. Mr Zhou said this would be subject to requisite approval both of the shareholders of the respective companies and of the relevant authorities. In May, a consortium of parties including Shougang conditionally agreed to acquire 74 per cent of Kader's issued share capital and 73 per cent of its outstanding warrants. Mr Zhou said Shougang anticipated that the principal activities of Kader should remain unchanged. ''Kader Investment and its subsidiaries should continue to be engaged in property investment and development and financial investments in both Hongkong and China,'' he said. ''In addition, it is the intention of the consortium to reduce the present proportion of industrial properties in the portfolio of Kader Investment and its subsidiaries by acquiring commercial and residential properties as suitable opportunities arise.'' Shougang also holds a minority 22.8 per cent interest in Eastern Century.