Chartered gives analysts sneak preview

Standard Chartered yesterday invited analysts to a closed-door briefing on its proposed Hong Kong listing and new share issue, a source close to the plan said, 'to give analysts an opportunity to prepare research and recommendations which could then be used once the issue is marketed to investors'. Goldman Sachs is to lead the issue, which is expected to see 29 million to 30 million new shares offered and raise about US$300 million.