China’s ant financial closes funding round; raises US$10bil at US$150bil valuation


HONG KONG: Ant Financial Services Group, operator of China’s biggest online payment platform by market share, Alipay, has closed its latest funding round having raised $10 billion from a clutch of global and local investors, five people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The fundraising values the firm at $150 billion, the people said, compared with about $60 billion after its previous fundraising in April 2016.

A number of global sovereign wealth funds and private equity firms joined the fundraising as main investors. They include Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte Ltd and state investor Temasek Holdings (Private) Ltd, as well as U.S. private equity firm Warburg Pincus LLC, the people said.

The people spoke to Reuters on condition they not be identified as the deal details are not yet public. The amount and investor line-up are finalised and the transfer of funds is underway, the people also said.

Ant, controlled by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd founder Jack Ma, declined to comment. Temasek and Warburg declined to comment. GIC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. - Reuters

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Business News

Wall Street set for higher open as rate-cut hopes linger
Shell in talks to sell Malaysia fuel stations to Saudi Aramco, sources say
Court Of Appeal rules in favour of SC in insider trading case
EPF buys more shares in QL Resources, raising stake to 5.01%
MGRC and Twistcode Technologies collaborate to develop advanced bioinformatics platform
Ringgit trims earlier gains to end slightly lower against US dollar
Ho Hup disposes of Bukit Jalil land for RM110mil
Perodua eyes 79% export surge to 1,960 units this year
Favelle Falco secures RM39.2mil contracts for offshore, tower cranes
RHB Islamic International Asset Management appoints Najman Isa as CEO

Others Also Read