In a landmark transaction, Citic Securities has agreed to buy CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets for just over $1.25 billion. It is the first big acquisition of a foreign broker by a Chinese competitor, and is indicative of the advance of Chinese financial institutions while European firms retreat to restore their balance sheets to meet stricter regulatory rules.
The leading state-controlled firm, advised by Credit Suisse, has paid $310 million to Credit Agricole for a 19.9% stake in the Hong Kong-based broker. The French bank has a put option to sell its remaining 80.1% interest in CLSA to Citic for $942 million, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
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