SF Holding's $2.26bn Kerry deal raises doubts over funding

Credit agencies question leverage but equity analysts welcome acquisition

20210211 SF express holding

SF Holding's over $2 billion plan to buy control of Hong Kong-based Kerry Logistics Network is viewed negatively by S&P and Fitch credit rating agencies.  © AP

KENJI KAWASE, Nikkei Asia chief business correspondent

HONG KONG -- Two credit rating agencies turned negative toward SF Holding on Thursday after China's largest parcel delivery service company by volume said it would spend over $2 billion to take control of a Hong Kong-based logistics operator.

S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings switched their view on SF's credit outlook to "negative" from "neutral" after SF said it would acquire a 51.8% stake in Kerry Logistics Network for 17.55 billion Hong Kong dollars ($2.26 billion).

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