Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEx) on Thursday sought clarification on comments reportedly made by PCCW chairman Richard Li Tzar-kai that suggested a further approach could be made for Britain's Cable & Wireless (C&W).
It is understood HKEx asked the troubled telecommunications company if it would make an offer for C&W at the end of a six-month cooling-off period required by the British Takeover Panel.
The request came after Mr Li suggested to London-based newspapers that he had not given up hope of acquiring C&W. Mr Li was quoted as saying 'never say never' in response to whether he would approach C&W again.
PCCW has been criticised after issuing different statements in London and Hong Kong last week on a takeover approach it made to C&W on December 31 last year.
On Monday, it said it had decided to make no further approach or offer to C&W, suggesting the outcome of another move would be 'unpredictable'.
PCCW chief communications officer Martin O'Connor yesterday said he would not comment.
