Reuters and staff reporter

Shenzhen-listed Chinese mobile screen maker Lens Technology is planning to file an application for a Hong Kong listing of up to US$1.5 billion (HK$11.7 billion) by the end of this month, aiming to get the offering done in July, said two people with knowledge of the deal.

Lens Technology is aiming to raise US$1 billion to US$1.5 billion in the offering.

The company, which is one of the suppliers for Apple's iPhone, has tapped Citic Securities (6030) to sponsor the offering, the people said.

Bank of America has also been appointed to be the offering's overall coordinator, said one of them.

The Chinese protective panels producer for mobile phone displays said on March 12 it planned to issue H shares and to seek a listing on the Hong Kong bourse.

The company's shares have gained 18 percent this year.

Meanwhile, Chinese hygiene product firm Soft International kicked off retail book building for its initial public offering yesterday with a minimum investment of HK$3,030.3 for a board lot of 5,000 shares.

A total of 250 million shares are set to be issued, with 10 percent for the retail tranche, with the aim of to raising HK$150 million through the Hong Kong listing.

The offer price range is between HK$0.50 and HK$0.60 a share.

The company is expected to list on March 27, with financial services firm Sunny Fortune as the sole sponsor.

Meanwhile, Chinese endocrinology disease drugmaker Visen Pharmaceuticals has reportedly priced its Hong Kong IPO near the lower end of the marketed range at HK$68.8 per share.

The company opened its retail book on March 13, seeking to raise up to HK$745 million, with a minimum investment of HK$7,603.9 per board lot of 100 shares. It is expected to debut on March 21.

Lens Technology’s headquarters in Shenzhen. LENS TECHNOLOGY

Mobile screen maker poised for US$1.5b share sale