"New Stocks" Mainland dairy company Junlebao submits listing application, Mengniu was once a major shareholder

Chinese dairy company Junlebao recently submitted a listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with China International Capital Corporation and Morgan Stanley serving as joint sponsors.

According to data from market research institutions, Junlebao is the third largest comprehensive dairy product company in China by retail sales in 2024, with a market share of 4.3%. It mainly sells dairy products such as low-temperature liquid milk, low-temperature yogurt, milk powder, and room-temperature liquid milk, and owns brands including Junlebao, Jianchun, Yuexianhuo, and Youcuibaoai. As of the end of September last year, Junlebao recorded an operating revenue of RMB 15.134 billion, a year-on-year increase of 1.5%, while net profit grew by 29.6% to RMB 837 million.

Mengniu Dairy (02319.HK) acquired a 51% stake in Junlebao for nearly RMB 470 million in 2010, becoming its largest shareholder. Subsequently, in 2019, due to business strategy adjustments, Mengniu Dairy transferred all of its shares in Junlebao to Penghai Fund and Junqian Management.

Junlebao has previously explored listing on the A-share market and planned to conduct listing counseling filing in 2023. However, considering its business development plans and financing needs, the group believes that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange can provide an international platform to access foreign capital and attract diversified overseas investors. The group anticipates that the funds raised from the listing in Hong Kong will be used to expand and upgrade production facilities, strengthen brand assets, expand channels, accelerate product innovation, and enhance smart digital capabilities