China Renaissance, a prominent player in China's tech industry, has suspended trading of its shares and delayed the release of its annual results due to the disappearance of its founder, Bao Fan. The 52-year-old entrepreneur vanished from view at the middle of February, prompting a plunge in the company's stock price.
Bao is known for his close ties with top Chinese technology companies. In 2015, he helped broker the merger between Meituan and Dianping, two leading food delivery services that now offer a ubiquitous "super app" platform across China.
Bao's team has invested in several prominent Chinese electric vehicle makers and tech giants, including Nio (NIO), Li Auto, Baidu (BIDU), and JD.com (JD). The current uncertainty surrounding his disappearance is causing concern among investors and analysts.
The delay in releasing audited results for 2022 and the annual report has also raised questions about China Renaissance's financial health. In a filing on Sunday, the company stated that auditors were unable to complete their work due to Bao's absence. The board of directors was also unable to provide an estimate for when it would approve its audited results or dispatch its annual report by April 30.
Bao Fan is suspected to be cooperating with authorities in investigating Liu Liange, a former Bank of China executive who has been charged with "serious violations of discipline and law." This case reflects the ongoing crackdown on financial executives under President Xi Jinping's leadership.
The disappearance of Bao Fan highlights the risks faced by investors in China's tech industry. As the investigation continues, it remains unclear whether Bao will be found or what this means for China Renaissance's future prospects.
Bao is known for his close ties with top Chinese technology companies. In 2015, he helped broker the merger between Meituan and Dianping, two leading food delivery services that now offer a ubiquitous "super app" platform across China.
Bao's team has invested in several prominent Chinese electric vehicle makers and tech giants, including Nio (NIO), Li Auto, Baidu (BIDU), and JD.com (JD). The current uncertainty surrounding his disappearance is causing concern among investors and analysts.
The delay in releasing audited results for 2022 and the annual report has also raised questions about China Renaissance's financial health. In a filing on Sunday, the company stated that auditors were unable to complete their work due to Bao's absence. The board of directors was also unable to provide an estimate for when it would approve its audited results or dispatch its annual report by April 30.
Bao Fan is suspected to be cooperating with authorities in investigating Liu Liange, a former Bank of China executive who has been charged with "serious violations of discipline and law." This case reflects the ongoing crackdown on financial executives under President Xi Jinping's leadership.
The disappearance of Bao Fan highlights the risks faced by investors in China's tech industry. As the investigation continues, it remains unclear whether Bao will be found or what this means for China Renaissance's future prospects.