Hutchison Whampoa may list Watsons healthcare unit – report

HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hutchison Whampoa Ltd, controlled by Asia’s richest man, Li Ka-shing, is planning to float its healthcare and beauty retail business Watsons within the next 12 to 18 months, a Hong Kong newspaper reported on Wednesday. The Hong Kong Economic Times, quoting market sources, said the initial public offering could raise between $8-$10 billion. The report did not specify whether the listing is related to A S Watson Group, which is the retail arm of Hutchison, or just the chain stores operated under the Watsons brand. Hutchison Whampoa shares rose more than 3. …