Fosun spins off tourism, hotel assets into new entity
Group to eventually list tourism, entertainment assets on bourses, say company officials
Fosun Group, China’s biggest privately-held conglomerate, has spun off its tourism and entertainment assets into Fosun Tourism and Culture Group, a move that could see the listing of the business eventually.
Fosun Tourism and Culture Group, the new unit, will have among its assets French resort operator Club Méditerranée, said Qian Jiannong, global partner and vice president of Fosun Group.
The move also coincides with the insurance-to-tourism conglomerate’s plans for an initial public offering of its travel, entertainment and hotel businesses, with combined assets in excess of 20 billion yuan (HK$22.5 billion).
Fosun, controlled by China’s self-styled Warren Buffet Guo Guangchang , has grouped some of its most crucial businesses such as Club Med, which it acquired last year, as well as ventures related to Europe’s second largest tour operator Thomas Cook, into the new company registered in Hong Kong.
“It also includes a newly established hotel and scenic area investment management company, a newly-formed performance unit and an online travel platform,” said a company statement.
Liang Xinjun, chief executive of Fosun told mainland media in August that the company was considering an IPO for its tourism and entertainment assets in the next two to three years, without disclosing where it will be listed.