Hotpot chain Haidilao considering $300mn IPO in 2016, sources say

Hotpot chain Sichuan Haidilao Catering is considering an initial public offering for up to US$300 million by as early as next year, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed sources. The company, which has held talks with investment banks to discuss a listing, would follow rival hotpot chains Little Sheep and Xiabuxiabu in selling shares to raise funds for expansion. Haidilao is considering Hong Kong as a listing venue, though it hasn’t made a final decision, according to the sources. A representative at Haidilao said the company hadn’t finalized an IPO plan and declined to comment further.