The Cathay International Group is planning to spread its wings beyond the

THE name Cathay International Group (CIG) says much about the company's aspirations. ''Cathay'' proudly announces its association with China, home to 95 per cent of its assets, and ''International'' reflects its ambition to become a player in the big league.

It has already made a significant start by completing a back-door listing on the London Stock Exchange by acquiring Stonehill Holdings, a British-quoted company, in February of last year.

Cathay International Holdings is the listed vehicle of CIG and has the notable distinction of being the first ''red chip'' to be listed in London.

The company's major shareholder, the relatively mysterious Wu Zhentao, holds 58.7 per cent of the company. Mr Wu was born in Shandong and educated in Beijing. He completed a degree in Business Administration from Beijing Industrial University and became a senior executive in the government scientific institutes.

He came to Hong Kong in 1986 and started from scratch, setting up a company engaged mainly in property projects in China. He now controls a firm with a market capitalisation of US$171 million (HK$1.3 billion) and net assets of more than $308 million.

The public profile of the company rests largely with prominent local businessman, Stephen Hunt, ex-head of Bank of America in Asia, who is now the group's vice-chairman.