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Hong Kong, London, New York Shortlisted for Aramco IPO

Hong Kong, London, New York Shortlisted for Aramco IPO
Hong Kong, London, New York Shortlisted for Aramco IPO

Saudi Arabia has shortlisted New York, London and Hong Kong—singly or in a combination of two or even all three—for the international portion of the listing of national oil company Aramco, two sources with knowledge of the discussions said.

The initial public offering will also include the Saudi stock exchange, Tadawul, and is still set for late 2018, the sources said, Reuters reported.

The shortlist means Tokyo, Singapore and Toronto are no longer in the running for what is likely to be the world’s biggest IPO. Riyadh could raise as much as $100 billion in the sale of up to 5% of Aramco if it achieves a projected $2 trillion valuation.

A final decision has yet to be made by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who oversees the kingdom’s economic and oil policies, the sources said.

One of the sources said a phased listing was being considered, with the local listing occurring first, followed by an international listing or listings at a later stage.

The second source said it was possible that Aramco would be listed on all three international exchanges, as well as the Saudi bourse, but cautioned that no decision had been taken.

“As far as Aramco goes, late 2018 remains the objective and the plan and everything is moving to deliver that,” the first source said.

Saudi Aramco said in response to a Reuters request for comment: “A range of listing options continue to be held under active review. However, no decision has been taken.”

The Aramco listing is a centerpiece of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan aimed at reducing the Saudi economy's dependence on oil.

Saudi officials have left the door open to other options for the Aramco IPO, including listing exclusively on Tadawul and a domestic listing coupled with a private placement to a strategic investor as a precursor to an international IPO.

China has offered to buy up to 5% of Saudi Aramco directly, sources told Reuters in October. Senior industry sources say Riyadh is keen on China, its biggest buyer of oil, becoming a cornerstone investor in the company.

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