$150 million acquisition loan finalized! Shanghai Bank empowers medical and science enterprises for cross-border integration

Recently, a $150 million cross-border M&A loan issued by Bank of Shanghai was successfully put in place, not only strongly facilitating the strategic integration between local high-end medical device companies Biyon Health and WoBii Medical, but also, through a coordinated model of “M&A loans + investment funds,” helping WoBii complete major debt restructuring and optimize its capital structure—providing a critical leap as it prepares for an overseas listing.

This cross-border M&A loan issued by Bank of Shanghai not only demonstrates the responsibility and commitment of a financial state-owned enterprise as Bank of Shanghai implements national policy requirements to further improve overseas comprehensive service systems and expand financing channels for companies going global, but also marks a strategic upgrade in Bank of Shanghai’s technology-finance service model—from single credit disbursement to innovation-enabled ecosystem empowerment as a “financial partner.”

Adhering to long-termism, ready to be “patient capital” to accompany tech companies through the cycle

WoBii Medical was founded in 2015. It is a global innovative medical company focused on stroke treatment technologies. In the early stage of its development, Bank of Shanghai provided credit support, accompanying the company through the bright moments as it moved into rapid expansion after laying out markets in Europe and the United States.

However, the path of technological innovation is full of twists and turns. Since 2023, with changes in the external environment, WoBii Medical has been squeezed by valuation pullbacks and tighter financing in the medical device industry externally, while internally it faces challenges from complex debt issues, leading some financial institutions to reduce their exposure.

“We selected to ‘push forward against the headwinds’ by stepping up our credit support efforts, based on our in-depth assessment of the neuro-interventional segment and our continuous tracking of the company’s core technology innovation and overseas market expansion, becoming the largest credit provider for WoBii Medical during a period of industry volatility.” Zhong Xiaofeng, the project manager of Bank of Shanghai, said.

Bank of Shanghai deeply understands that technology companies need not only capital, but also comprehensive resource support. Therefore, while helping WoBii Medical address working capital needs for production and operations, the bank goes beyond conventional logic and actively coordinates with the company to explore paths to shed historical debt burdens and achieve healthy development. It continues to connect with investment institutions, corporate shareholders, and management teams, jointly planning for the arrival of “spring.”

Innovative coordination with Bank of Yin Ji; empowering cross-border M&A and restructuring with venture-capital thinking

As external capital markets rebound and Hong Kong’s biotech and pharmaceutical sector shows signs of recovery, Bank of Shanghai has keenly seized the turning point opportunity for corporate development.

Based on long-term tracking of the company’s performance and deep research into the industry, it has keenly recognized that WoBii Medical is one of the few neuro-interventional device companies in China whose revenue comes largely from premium markets such as Europe and the United States. It possesses clear technological value, overseas expansion platform value, and scarce strategic value. Bank of Shanghai and its shareholders jointly devised an “M&A loan + investment fund” innovative plan.

Unlike a fund’s full equity acquisition, this plan, by providing relatively low-cost bank leverage, can not only help companies address a debt crisis and optimize their capital structure, but also, through structured design of M&A transaction arrangements, provide more operating funds for the company’s global development. However, because the M&A target involves multiple countries’ judicial jurisdictions, dispersed shareholder governance, and an extremely complex corporate structure, some investment funds expressed reservations about the feasibility of the bank’s involvement in this transaction. Ultimately, however, Bank of Shanghai, backed by strong professional capabilities, quickly delivered its answer.

“Having personally experienced this restructuring, I was deeply moved by Bank of Shanghai’s professionalism, efficiency, and human warmth. They are brave enough to innovate and break the deadlock, and willing to lend a helping hand when it matters most. They support the company’s growth at the critical moments. We believe this financially responsible force with genuine care and commitment from Bank of Shanghai will continue to empower more local companies to move steadily toward success.” WoBii Medical’s CFO, Yu Jie, said heartfeltly.

Full-cycle financial accompaniment to build a new paradigm for technology-finance services

The disbursement of this M&A loan is not the end of the service; rather, it is a new starting point for Bank of Shanghai’s full-cycle financial accompaniment to the company. Next, Bank of Shanghai will leverage the advantages of efficient cross-border fund settlement and low foreign exchange conversion costs of the FT account system to help WoBii optimize its global working capital management. At the same time, adhering to a “loan-and-investment linkage” mindset, the bank will continue to follow the company’s next round of financing and IPO process, providing end-to-end financial support.

Technological innovation is a matter of national importance, and financial empowerment is the key. Bank of Shanghai elevates technology finance to a strategic level, adhering to long-termism and professionalism. It is injecting strong financial momentum by using financial innovation to cultivate new quality productive forces and promote a virtuous cycle among “technology—industry—finance.” Going forward, Bank of Shanghai will replicate and promote this bank-and-venture coordination model. Focusing on full-cycle financial needs of both companies to be invested in and investee companies, it will build a full-chain service ecosystem of “raise-invest-manage-exit+,” delivering one-stop integrated financial services of “financing +Rongzhi.” This will enable strategic win-win outcomes with tech innovation enterprises and investment funds, and, together, write a new chapter in technological innovation and industrial upgrading—“becoming a financial partner with care, value, and a strong pool of talent, and one that people respect”!

Massive information, precise interpretation—everything is on the Sina Finance APP