China reportedly explores other buyers for CK Hutchison's ports

China has started exploring alternative buyers for CK Hutchison’s (0001) ports in case the deal with BlackRock falls through, the Wall Street Journal reported. 

Beijing reached out to billionaires in mainland China and Hong Kong, along with Chinese state-backed companies in recent weeks, the newspaper said, citing sources. 

Shipping giants such as Cosco Shipping (1919) and China Merchants Group have already begun informal discussions with CK Hutchison about potentially acquiring some of the ports, according to the report.

STAFF REPORTER