China Renaissance, a top dealmaker in China's tech industry, has suspended trading of its shares and delayed the release of its annual results due to its founder's disappearance. The 52-year-old Bao Fan started the boutique investment bank in 2005 but went missing in February.
Shares in China Renaissance have plummeted since Bao vanished, falling as much as 50%. The company has been unreachable since the middle of February and had previously stated that Bao was "cooperating in an investigation" being carried out by certain authorities. However, it remains unclear what this investigation is about or whether Bao is still involved.
Chinese media have reported that Bao might be assisting in an investigation related to a former executive at China Renaissance. The company's board has also been unable to complete its auditors' work due to Bao's absence, resulting in the delay of its annual results.
Bao Fan was known as a veteran dealmaker who worked closely with top technology companies in China. He had brokered several high-profile deals, including the merger between Meituan and Dianping in 2015. His team has also invested in US-listed Chinese electric vehicle makers Nio, Li Auto, and helped Chinese internet giants Baidu and JD.com complete their secondary listings in Hong Kong.
The disappearance of China Renaissance's founder comes as China's top anti-graft watchdog launches an investigation into Liu Liange, former party secretary and chairman of Bank of China. The bank is state-owned and one of the country's four biggest lenders. This case highlights the growing scrutiny on high-ranking officials and executives in China's financial sector.
The suspension of trading in China Renaissance's shares raises concerns about the stability of the company and its ability to operate without its founder. The delay in releasing its annual results also raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the company's financial reporting.
Shares in China Renaissance have plummeted since Bao vanished, falling as much as 50%. The company has been unreachable since the middle of February and had previously stated that Bao was "cooperating in an investigation" being carried out by certain authorities. However, it remains unclear what this investigation is about or whether Bao is still involved.
Chinese media have reported that Bao might be assisting in an investigation related to a former executive at China Renaissance. The company's board has also been unable to complete its auditors' work due to Bao's absence, resulting in the delay of its annual results.
Bao Fan was known as a veteran dealmaker who worked closely with top technology companies in China. He had brokered several high-profile deals, including the merger between Meituan and Dianping in 2015. His team has also invested in US-listed Chinese electric vehicle makers Nio, Li Auto, and helped Chinese internet giants Baidu and JD.com complete their secondary listings in Hong Kong.
The disappearance of China Renaissance's founder comes as China's top anti-graft watchdog launches an investigation into Liu Liange, former party secretary and chairman of Bank of China. The bank is state-owned and one of the country's four biggest lenders. This case highlights the growing scrutiny on high-ranking officials and executives in China's financial sector.
The suspension of trading in China Renaissance's shares raises concerns about the stability of the company and its ability to operate without its founder. The delay in releasing its annual results also raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the company's financial reporting.