China Merchants denies deals

China Merchants Holdings International yesterday denied media reports it had any plans to invest in a number of infrastructure projects, including toll roads and the Shekou container terminal. China Merchants told the Hong Kong stock exchange it had a long-term strategy to develop into a conglomerate with diversified interests in conjunction with the China Merchants Group and to expand its investment portfolio. 'The company, generally, will consider business and investment opportunities in furtherance of its general strategies of diversification and expansion. However, no concrete plans, negotiations or agreements have been formed or entered into in relation to any major acquisitions,' it said.