China to promote M&A of listed companies

China will take measures in 2007 to create a favorable environment for listed companies to carry out mergers and acquisitions, Shang Fulin, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), said at a forum Thursday.

The CSRC will also standardize mergers and acquisition involving foreign capital, in an endeavor to ensure a fair playing ground for all parties.

Shang said that with the corporate share-holding reform coming to an end, formerly non-tradable shares of listed companies have all been converted into fully tradable shares, and the number of mergers and acquisitions would likely rise.

Operators could expect more laws and regulations in this area, said Shang, without elaborating further.

Meanwhile, China will continue to quicken the pace of restructuring in the state-owned sector, encouraging state-owned companies to grow through capital restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, as well as technology and capital injections, said Li Wei, vice chairman of the State Assets and Administration Commission, also present at the forum.