RHB shortlists bidders of 25% stake to 6

Sources said Chinese suitors not keen on buying the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank's block in the company.

The number of interested parties in Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank's block in RHB Capital Bhd will be shortlisted to six by middle of next month, sources said.

So far, 15 banks and private equity firms have shown interest in the 25% stake, the sources said.

Speculation was rife that the suitors included banks from China.

However, there is no conclusion yet as to who the ultimate buyer would be. So far, China banks have shown very little interest in the block, the sources told StarBiz.

Another Chinese bank emerging as shareholder in one of Malaysia's banking groups is a possibility although many will ask what the existing China banks in the country have achieved so far.

As long as there was no cross-holding by a single institution, the application might be considered, said another source, However, factors such as synergies are important.

View the full story in The Malaysian Star.