China Renaissance, a prominent dealmaker in China's tech industry, has suspended trading of its shares and delayed the release of its annual results due to its founder Bao Fan's unavailability. Bao, 52, went missing in mid-February, leaving investors and auditors alike in limbo.
The company stated that it had been unable to get in touch with Bao since his disappearance, which has led to a significant plunge in the company's shares, with prices dropping by as much as 50%. China Renaissance is known for its close ties with top technology companies in China, having played a key role in brokering several high-profile deals.
Bao's absence has also raised suspicions of an investigation involving his alleged involvement in a case related to a former executive at the company. Chinese media have reported that Bao might be assisting in this investigation, although no further details have been provided by China Renaissance.
The delay in releasing audited results for 2022 and dispatching its annual report has caused trading on Monday as shares were suspended due to the uncertainty surrounding Bao's disappearance. His absence is particularly notable given his prominent role as a veteran dealmaker who works closely with top tech companies, including helping broker the merger between Meituan and Dianping in 2015.
The news comes at a time when China's anti-corruption efforts are intensifying under President Xi Jinping, with several high-ranking officials facing charges. The investigation into Bank of China chairman Liu Liange is one such example, highlighting the government's focus on rooting out corruption among state-owned enterprises.
The company stated that it had been unable to get in touch with Bao since his disappearance, which has led to a significant plunge in the company's shares, with prices dropping by as much as 50%. China Renaissance is known for its close ties with top technology companies in China, having played a key role in brokering several high-profile deals.
Bao's absence has also raised suspicions of an investigation involving his alleged involvement in a case related to a former executive at the company. Chinese media have reported that Bao might be assisting in this investigation, although no further details have been provided by China Renaissance.
The delay in releasing audited results for 2022 and dispatching its annual report has caused trading on Monday as shares were suspended due to the uncertainty surrounding Bao's disappearance. His absence is particularly notable given his prominent role as a veteran dealmaker who works closely with top tech companies, including helping broker the merger between Meituan and Dianping in 2015.
The news comes at a time when China's anti-corruption efforts are intensifying under President Xi Jinping, with several high-ranking officials facing charges. The investigation into Bank of China chairman Liu Liange is one such example, highlighting the government's focus on rooting out corruption among state-owned enterprises.