New World Development and Ares SSG Partner to Develop Commercial Complex in Cheung Sha Wan

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 September 2022 – New World Development Company Limited (“NWD” or “the Group”; Hong Kong stock code: 00017) announced today that the Group and a fund advised by Ares SSG Capital Management Limited (collectively with its group entities, “Ares SSG”) have formed a joint venture (JV) for the construction, development, marketing and sale of a commercial complex (“the Complex”) located on Wing Hong Street in Cheung Sha Wan.

NWD will be responsible for the construction, property management, asset management, sale and marketing of units in the Complex. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2023.

NWD and Ares SSG are confident in the outlook for the Complex. The Group considers the partnership with Ares SSG a prime opportunity to combine NWD’s knowledge of and expertise in property construction and development with the resources and experience of a leading global real estate investor. The JV will continue to capture anticipated rising demand for high-quality commercial properties in one of Hong Kong’s emerging business districts.

The Cheung Sha Wan district has witnessed remarkable changes in recent years. Boasting comprehensive transportation infrastructure and ancillary facilities, the district is conveniently located, with easy connectivity, including being within a half-hour drive to Hong Kong International Airport and the Shenzhen Bay Highway Bridge, promising great potential for transforming the area into a new core business district in West Kowloon. Following the completion of construction and development of the commercial complex, the project’s unit sales will further strengthen the income stream of the Group.

Edward Lau, Chief Financial Officer, New World Development, said: “The Group is pleased to welcome Ares SSG as a strategic investor in the Wing Hong Street project. NWD is confident in the development prospects of West Kowloon, and has been proactive in forward planning. In the next few years, various top-tier commercial projects under the Group will come to life in phases across the strategic business location of Cheung Sha Wan. Our close collaboration with Ares SSG and other business partners will forge the first grade-A commercial complex in the core business district of West Kowloon. Not only will this meet the burgeoning demand for grade-A office buildings in the district, but it will also breathe a new dynamic into the development of West Kowloon.”

Edwin Wong, Managing Partner and CEO of Ares SSG, said, “We are excited to join hands with one of the leading property developers in Hong Kong on a project with great potential. Real estate has been one of the key sectors during our long and successful investment history across twelve Asia-Pacific markets. We look forward to working with NWD and leveraging our extensive experience in real estate investing in the region.”

NWD will continue to identify new projects and opportunities with growth potential and robust recurring cash flow to strengthen the long-term development of its core businesses, optimising value for stakeholders and enhancing the investment value of the Group.

About New World Development Company Limited

Founded in 1970, New World Development Company Limited (“The Group”; Hong Kong stock code: 00017) was publicly listed in Hong Kong in 1972 and is a constituent stock of the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index. A premium brand infused with a unique personality best defined by The Artisanal Movement, New World Group’s core business areas include investment in property and property development, and investment in and/or operation of roads, commercial aircraft leasing, construction, insurance, hotels and other strategic businesses. Its Greater China operations, especially in the Greater Bay Area, had a total asset value of approximately HK$639.7 billion as at 31 December 2021. The Group’s two listed companies are NWS Holdings Limited (61%), and New World Department Store China Limited (75%). New World China Land Limited is wholly owned by the Group.

About Ares SSG
With a pan-Asian presence across nine local offices, Ares SSG is one of the largest alternative asset managers in Asia-Pacific with approximately $9.8 billion in assets under management, more than 150 employees (of which over 60 are investment professionals) as of June 30, 2022. Led by a highly experienced management team that has delivered attractive investment performance across various market cycles, transaction types and Asian countries, Ares SSG leverages its broad geographical footprint and extensive infrastructure in the region to make credit, private equity and special situations investments on behalf of its institutional client base.

Ares SSG is a subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, private equity, real estate and infrastructure asset classes.