More than three months into 2009, the year's first billion-dollar initial public offering out of Hong Kong -- and Asia -- is finally ready to launch and will provide a crucial test of whether investors are willing to commit money to a newcomer in the international markets. According to sources, China Zhongwang Holdings, a Chinese aluminium extrusion products maker, has started pre-marketing an IPO that is expected to raise at least $1 billion. The aim is to launch a formal roadshow on Monday and to list in Hong Kong on May 7.
Citic Securities, J.P. Morgan and UBS are joint bookrunners for the offering which will be only the third listing greater than $50 million...