Li Ka-shing has sold again! The CK Hutchison Holdings and two other companies issued a joint announcement, announcing the sale of the UK electricity grid business, cashing out over HKD 110 billion.

On February 26, three companies under CK Hutchison Holdings, owned by Li Ka-shing—Cheung Kong Infrastructure Group, Power Assets Holdings, and CK Asset Holdings—announced on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that they have entered into an agreement with Engie UK 2026 Limited, a subsidiary of the French utility company Engie, to sell their combined 100% stake in UK Power Networks Holdings Limited, netting over HKD 110 billion.

The three companies stated that selling their shares in UK Power Networks will generate significant accounting gains and cash proceeds for future investments and acquisitions. Cheung Kong Infrastructure, Power Assets, and CK Asset Holdings each hold 40%, 40%, and 20% of UK Power Networks, respectively. They sold their holdings in UK Power Networks for HKD 44.3 billion, HKD 44.3 billion, and HKD 22.15 billion, respectively.

According to the Cheung Kong Infrastructure Group announcement, since acquiring its stake in the target group in 2010, the target has steadily transformed and is now one of the leading distribution network operators in the UK, continuously providing stable financial contributions to CK Hutchison and CK. During the investment period, the target experienced significant growth.

It is worth noting that in early 2022, the Li Ka-shing family was rumored to be in negotiations to sell UK Power Networks, with the deal valued at up to GBP 15 billion at that time.

The UK is considered a core overseas market for the Li Ka-shing family, which has been jokingly referred to as having “bought half of the UK” in the past.

According to a previous BBC report, CK Hutchison’s CK Group is the largest single overseas investor in UK history, with a total investment exceeding RMB 255.5 billion. Its investments span water, telecommunications, railway vehicle leasing, ports, airports, real estate, and financial markets, covering many aspects of British life.

Some UK operations under Cheung Kong Infrastructure are summarized in the image source: company website.

Media reports also indicate that, according to incomplete statistics, the Li Ka-shing family controls about one-quarter of the UK’s electricity distribution market, nearly 30% of the natural gas supply market, nearly 7% of the water supply market, over 40% of the telecommunications market, about one-third of UK ports, and over 500,000 square meters of land resources.

CK Asset Holdings previously stated: “UK’s energy infrastructure assets are not only stable and highly profitable due to their scarcity but also carry very low risk. Some industries even have government backing, continuously generating safe and lasting income, aligning with the interests of the Li family.”

According to the latest Forbes billionaire list, CK Hutchison founder Li Ka-shing has once again topped Hong Kong’s wealthiest list with a net worth of USD 45.1 billion, maintaining his position as Hong Kong’s richest. His wealth increased by USD 7.8 billion compared to 2025’s USD 37.3 billion.

As of press time, Cheung Kong Infrastructure rose 1.95%, Power Assets increased 2.12%, and CK Asset Holdings gained 2.87%.

Source: Daily Economic News

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