Hutchison says it is evaluating a potential spin-off of its worldwide telecoms business

‘From time to time, the [group] receives proposals and explores and evaluates opportunities that may be available,’ Hutchison said in a statement

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A branch of CK Hutchison’s Three cellular telecommunications network in the United Kingdom. Photo: CK Hutchison

Published: 8:04am, 31 Mar 2025Updated: 10:40pm, 31 Mar 2025

CK Hutchison Holdings, Hong Kong’s largest conglomerate, has acknowledged that it is in talks to spin off its worldwide telecommunications business, in move that could throw another bone of contention into its controversial disposal of its global ports network.

The flagship company of Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing owns and operates cellular telecommunications and fixed telephony networks in more than 10 global markets.

It operates networks under the Three brand in the UK, Austria, Denmark, Ireland and Sweden, and under its namesake brand in Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

The company has started preparations to spin off its global telecommunication assets and list the business in London, Reuters reported on March 28, citing two people with knowledge of the matter, without naming them.

The company has discussed the plan with a small group of financial advisers, the people said, according to the Reuters report.

“From time to time, the [group] receives proposals and explores and evaluates opportunities that may be available, with a view to enhancing long-term value to shareholders, including possible transactions relating to the assets and operations of the [company’s] global telecommunication businesses (including a spin-off listing),” Hutchison said in a statement on Monday to the Hong Kong stock exchange.

CK Hutchison’s shares closed 3.1 per cent lower at HK$43.75 on Monday.