HSBC to acquire The Chinese Bank in Taiwan

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited has been named the successful bidder in a government auction to acquire The Chinese Bank Co., Ltd. (The Chinese Bank) in Taiwan. The acquisition will increase HSBC's island-wide branch network from eight to 47, giving it a presence in all the major cities in Asia's fourth biggest banking market.

The Taiwan Government's Central Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) took control of The Chinese Bank in January 2007. As at 30 September 2007, gross assets were NT$100.16 billion (approximately US$3,097 million). The agreement relating to this acquisition will result in HSBC assuming The Chinese Bank's assets, liabilities and operations with a payment by the CDIC to deliver an agreed net asset position. In addition, HSBC will provide certain additional capital to ensure that its enlarged operations maintain appropriate financial ratios. The amount of such additional capital will be determined by reference to the balance sheet as at completion. Based on information currently available, it is estimated that this will be between the Taiwanese dollar equivalent of US$300 million to US$400 million.

The Chinese Bank has 36 branches and over one million customers throughout Taiwan. It provides a full range of services to retail customers as well as small-to-medium size enterprises and large corporates. Under the terms of the transaction, HSBC will also be able to convert three business offices of The Chinese Bank into new branches.

Vincent Cheng, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, said: "Taiwan is a key component of HSBC's Greater China positioning. Over 750,000 Taiwanese companies currently operate in China and there was US$7.6 billion of foreign direct investment from Taiwan in 2006, up over 180 per cent year-on-year. Together with our market leading franchise in Hong Kong and position as the largest foreign bank in China, HSBC is strongly positioned to benefit from the growing level of trade and investment in Greater China and across the region"

One of Asia-Pacific's wealthiest economies, Taiwan is growing significantly faster than the major western industrialised economies, with GDP in recent years expanding at an annual rate of almost five per cent. Domestic demand is expected to strengthen over time as household income expands and long-term savings and investments grow as individuals increasingly choose to plan for their futures.

Alistair Currie, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC in Taiwan, added: "The Chinese Bank will provide HSBC in Taiwan with significant opportunities in retail, commercial and corporate banking, while we believe HSBC's international network, global expertise and financial strength will benefit our new customers and employees in Taiwan"

The transaction is subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

In accordance with the terms of the transaction, HSBC is required to establish a local subsidiary within three years of completion or one year after HSBC's total assets in Taiwan exceed NT$450 billion (approximately US$13.9 billion), whichever is earlier. The new company will have a minimum capitalisation of NT$10 billion (approximately US$309 million).

Source: HSBC