Hongkong Land Holdings Limited (“Hongkong Land”) announces today that Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (“HKEX”) will establish its permanent headquarters in One Exchange Square in the heart of Central Hong Kong. HKEX has agreed to acquire the top nine floors of One Exchange Square (Levels 42 through to 50) together with the retail space on Levels 1 and 2 of One Exchange Square. This will become a holistic, integrated and immersive
HKEX entrance lobby seamlessly leading to Connect Hall and, through a dedicated elevator, to the HKEX new headquarters.
Permanently securing HKEX’s presence reinforces Central’s position as Hong Kong’s primary business and financial district, helping to attract premium new tenants to Central’s vibrant and interconnected ecosystem. Together with Hongkong Land’s previously announced US$1bn Tomorrow’s CENTRAL investment program to upgrade its LANDMARK portfolio, Central will remain the destination for finance, commerce and lifestyle in Hong Kong.
The transaction is part of Hongkong Land’s recently announced strategy to invest in Asian gateway cities and recycle capital. HKEX is acquiring 147,025 sqf of space in One Exchange Square for a total consideration of HK$6.3bn (US$810m), which is consistent with the latest independent valuation as of 31 December 2024. Transaction proceeds will be deployed to further strengthen Hongkong Land’s balance sheet and to commence a US$200m share buyback.
Hongkong Land Chairman John Witt stated: “Central’s interconnected ecosystem is the backbone of Hong Kong's financial sector, and I am so pleased that HKEX is now making the district its permanent home. Together, we share a common vision to create a distinctive headquarters that embodies the city’s standing as one of the world’s leading financial centres and underscores our unwavering confidence in Hong Kong’s future.”
HKEX Chairman Carlson Tong said: “We are delighted to be unveiling the next exciting chapter of HKEX’s journey at Exchange Square, with the announcement of a strategic investment to establish our permanent home in this iconic development. Exchange Square has stood witness to the Hong Kong capital market’s remarkable transformation, from the 1980s when the venue was itself the stock market; to the Exchange’s present status as a global financial powerhouse. As we celebrate 25 years of our Hong Kong listing, we are proud to be working in close partnership with Hongkong Land to develop HKEX’s headquarters and to elevate this symbol at the heart of our financial industry, reflecting our commitment and confidence in the long-term vibrancy of Hong Kong as an international financial centre.”
Hongkong Land Chief Executive Michael Smith said: “This is a pivotal transaction for Hong Kong, Central and Hongkong Land. It stands as one of the largest commercial office deals in Hong Kong in recent years and is a new milestone in Hongkong Land’s execution of its strategy. Within six months of announcing our new strategic direction, we have already demonstrated our ability to recycle capital and our unwavering commitment to create
significant shareholder value.”
