A discussion on the challenges facing China's property sector, Apple's decision to cancel their electric vehicle project, Alibaba's investment in AI, and insights on APAC markets from Catherine Yeung of Fidelity International.
Country Garden's winding up petition highlights China's property crisis and creditor negotiation challenges.
Founder transition, family disputes, and regulatory crackdowns impact Country Garden's transformation and future strategies.
Deep dives
Country Garden's Restructuring Amidst Financial Challenges
Country Garden is facing financial challenges as it navigates restructuring to satisfy creditors. Despite a petition for winding-up, the company continues negotiating with creditors, emphasizing that the petitioner holds a small amount of debt compared to the total offshore debt. The situation is reminiscent of China Evergrande's struggles, where failure to reach a consensus led to a liquidation order in Hong Kong. The process for Country Garden is at an early stage, indicating a prolonged resolution period.
Creditor Negotiations and Asset Distribution Challenges
The possibility of creditors avoiding liquidation by reaching agreements with Country Garden hinges on the founders' willingness to negotiate and their sincerity. Comparisons to Sunac highlight how treating creditors equally, even taking haircuts, can lead to successful resolutions. Challenges lie in onshore asset distribution, with regulatory complexities and government interventions presenting obstacles for offshore creditors.
Country Garden's Evolution and Leadership Shifts
Country Garden, once a prominent real estate entity led by a renowned founder, underwent a shift in leadership to his daughter amid financial setbacks and regulatory crackdowns. The company's journey from a local hero to facing liquidation marks a significant transformation. The impact of the founder's detention and family disputes further complicates the company's future trajectories and asset protection strategies.
Lulu Chen, Bloomberg Asia Investing and Real Estate Team Leader joins the program to discuss how Country Garden's winding up petition fits into the larger picture of China's property crisis. Vlad Savov, Bloomberg Tech Editor, sits down to discuss Apple's decision to cancel development of the apple electric vehicle. Plus, what Alibaba's AI investment means for its future. Catherine Yeung, Investment Director at Fidelity International, joins the show to discuss her perspective on APAC markets.