CRCT and CapitaLand to divest their interests in CapitaMall Wuhu

CapitaLand Retail China Trust (CRCT) and CapitaLand today announced that their respective subsidiary and associate have entered into an agreement to divest their combined 100% interests in a company, which owns CapitaMall Wuhu, to an unrelated third party.  The transaction is based on the company’s adjusted net asset value, including but not limited to its interest in CapitaMall Wuhu of RMB210 million (about S$41.5 million).

Mr Tan Tze Wooi, CEO of CapitaLand Retail China Trust Management Limited, said: “The divestment of CapitaMall Wuhu is in line with our proactive asset management strategy to optimise CRCT’s portfolio and enhance returns.  As our 51% stake in CapitaMall Wuhu accounts for less than 1% of CRCT’s asset size, its sale is expected to have minimal impact on CRCT’s core business.  The sale proceeds will provide CRCT with greater financial flexibility to take advantage of market opportunities.  We remain on the lookout for strategic opportunities to reconstitute and strengthen our portfolio.”

Mr Lucas Loh, President (China & Investment Management), CapitaLand Group, said: “The sale of CapitaMall Wuhu will unlock capital that can be redeployed to core assets in cities where CapitaLand enjoys scale and competitive advantage.  We will stay disciplined in our capital recycling efforts and continually review opportunities to optimise CapitaLand’s portfolio, which include divestment of assets that are non-core or have limited growth.”