Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited have noted that they take no responsibility for the contents of the joint announcement dated 9 October 2025 from Hang Seng Bank Limited (“the Bank”), HSBC Holdings plc, and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (“HSBC Asia Pacific”) regarding the proposal for the privatisation of the Bank by HSBC Asia Pacific by way of a scheme of arrangement under Section 673 of the Companies Ordinance. The Bank’s shareholders are informed that the Bank and its subsidiaries remain subject to certain restrictions under the Takeovers Code during the offer period.
On 8 October 2025, following an application by the Bank, the Executive granted relevant consents and confirmations (“Relevant Consents”). These allow certain passive index-tracking funds managed by members of the Bank’s group to purchase or sell the Bank’s securities during the offer period without triggering the usual restrictions on frustrating actions (Rule 4), 24-hour public notice requirements for sales (Rule 21.2), or implications on the minimum offer price (Rules 23 and 24).
If there is any material change to the information provided during this process, the Bank will immediately inform the Executive to verify the continued validity of these consents. Additional consents may also be sought if future business circumstances so require. A related announcement was issued by HSBC Holdings plc on 27 November 2025, providing further details of the Proposal and the Takeovers Code considerations.
As stated in the 27 November 2025 announcement, the Board of the Bank has confirmed that the information therein is accurate and that opinions were formed after due and careful consideration. Hang Seng Bank Limited is listed in Hong Kong under the stock codes 11 (HKD counter) and 80011 (RMB counter). The announcement was signed by the Company Secretary and Head of Corporate Governance on behalf of the Bank, with the registered office at 83 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong.