Ant Group Co. has successfully outbid Citadel Securities LLC for Credit Suisse's investment bank venture in China. According to sources familiar with the matter, this unexpected move is poised to undergo rigorous regulatory scrutiny.
Potential Challenges for Ant Group in the Securities Business
Fortune noted that the bid by Jack Ma-backed Ant Group to establish a securities business using Credit Suisse's operations is expected to face a comprehensive review.
As per Bloomberg, China's preference for a foreign buyer complicates the situation, creating a potential hurdle for Ant Group's acquisition plans.
UBS Group AG, the current owner of Credit Suisse, finds itself at a crossroads. The bank must decide between the higher bid from Ant Group and the lower offer from Citadel Securities, which stands a better chance of government approval. This decision-making process is critical in determining the future of Credit Suisse's China unit.
Global Interest in Credit Suisse's Unit Declines Amid Geopolitical Tensions
UBS struggles to attract interest in the unit from global firms due to escalating geopolitical tensions and economic challenges. The bank's efforts are further complicated by Founder Securities' potential rejection of Citadel's lower offer, potentially leading to delays in the sale process.
Citadel Securities, led by billionaire Ken Griffin, emerged as the sole global firm to submit a bid for Credit Suisse's China unit. Their offer, ranging from 1.5 billion yuan to 2 billion yuan, presents a substantial investment opportunity in the region.
Credit Suisse sought around 2 billion yuan for the entire China unit, including the stake held by Founder Securities. Previous buyout attempts, including a collapsed deal valuing the firm at about 2.3 billion yuan, highlight the complexities of the negotiation process.
UBS's Obligation to Find a Buyer for the Credit Suisse Platform
Due to regulations prohibiting the ownership of two licenses in the same business sector in China, UBS is mandated to secure a buyer for the Credit Suisse platform. After discontinuing its wealth operation last year, the unit primarily focuses on investment banking and brokerage services.
Photo: Mariia Shalabaieva/Unsplash


Instacart Stock Drops After FTC Probes AI-Based Price Discrimination Claims
OpenAI Explores Massive Funding Round at $750 Billion Valuation
Trump Administration Reviews Nvidia H200 Chip Sales to China, Marking Major Shift in U.S. AI Export Policy
Harris Associates Open to Revised Paramount Skydance Bid for Warner Bros Discovery
Roche CEO Warns US Drug Price Deals Could Raise Costs of New Medicines in Switzerland
Boeing Seeks FAA Emissions Waiver to Continue 777F Freighter Sales Amid Strong Cargo Demand
Toyota to Sell U.S.-Made Camry, Highlander, and Tundra in Japan From 2026 to Ease Trade Tensions
7-Eleven CEO Joe DePinto to Retire After Two Decades at the Helm
U.S. Lawmakers Urge Pentagon to Blacklist More Chinese Tech Firms Over Military Ties
Volaris and Viva Agree to Merge, Creating Mexico’s Largest Low-Cost Airline Group
ANZ New CEO Forgoes Bonus After Shareholders Reject Executive Pay Report
FedEx Beats Q2 Earnings Expectations, Raises Full-Year Outlook Despite Stock Dip
Dina Powell McCormick Resigns From Meta Board After Eight Months, May Take Advisory Role
Delta Air Lines President Glen Hauenstein to Retire, Leaving Legacy of Premium Strategy
Bridgewater Associates Plans Major Employee Ownership Expansion in Milestone Year
FDA Fast-Tracks Approval of Altria’s on! PLUS Nicotine Pouches Under New Pilot Program
Union-Aligned Investors Question Amazon, Walmart and Alphabet on Trump Immigration Policies 



