Xinao hopes IPO will be a gas

Led by ABN Amro, gas distributor Xinao Gas is hoping to raise up to $37 million from the transaction, which is scheduled to close around April 11. In a reflection of the depressed state of the Hong Kong retail market, however, there will be no public offering for the 180 million share deal, which also numbers CLSA as co-lead and BNP Paribas Peregrine as senior co-manager.

The price range has been set at HK$1.15 ($0.15) to HK$1.59 per share, representing a P/E ratio of eight to 11 times prospective 2001 earnings and a relatively high EV/EBITDA ratio of 6.2 to 8.1 times prospective earnings. Observers report positive pre-marketing feedback for the transaction subject to discount pricing against comparables, currently trading on a P/E range of about 13 to 15 times prospective earnings.