- The agreement covers the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Shell Downstream South Africa (SDSA) with an implied enterprise value of $1 billion prior to adjustment for net debt and working capital, including its 580 company and dealer-owned fuel stations, as well as its wholesale fuel, aviation and lubricants operations.
- The Proposed Acquisition marks a major step towards ADNOC Distribution's ambition to become a global mobility and convenience retailer, while advancing its fuel retail footprint in Africa.
- The Proposed Acquisition is projected to boost ADNOC Distribution's earnings per share by 6% in the first full year after completion and generate an IRR in excess of the Company's hurdle rate, delivering immediate shareholder value.
- Building on its track record of international expansions, ADNOC Distribution aims to contribute positively to South Africa's economy.
- Following completion of the Proposed Acquisition, a 28% stake in SDSA is expected to be sold on to a local empowerment partner and employee stock option plan.
ABU DHABI, UAE and JOHANNESBURG , July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ADNOC Distribution (ISIN: AEA006101017) (Symbol: ADNOCDIST) today announced that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the share capital of Shell Downstream South Africa ("SDSA") from Shell South Africa Holdings (the "Proposed Acquisition").
The Proposed Acquisition has an implied enterprise value of approximately $1 billion for 100% of the share capital prior to adjustment for net debt and working capital and is expected to close in 2027, subject to customary regulatory conditions, other conditions precedent and closing conditions. A 28% stake in SDSA is expected to be sold on to a local empowerment partner and Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) following completion of the Proposed Acquisition.
ADNOC Distribution will enter into a long-term brand licensing agreement upon completion of the Proposed Acquisition to retain the Shell brand for retail service stations and lubricants businesses in South Africa. Upon completion, Customers will continue to receive their preferred and trusted experience under ADNOC Distribution's stewardship.
Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, said: "The Proposed Acquisition marks a significant milestone in ADNOC Distribution's international growth strategy and reflects our confidence in South Africa as a high-potential, well-regulated fuel retail sector. Shell Downstream South Africa is a respected and financially strong business with deep roots in the local economy, and its values and ambitions align closely with our own. By bringing it into the ADNOC Distribution family, we plan to accelerate our international expansion, diversify our platform and create sustainable long-term value for our shareholders, our partners and the customers and communities that this business has proudly served for decades."
About Shell Downstream South Africa
SDSA represents Shell's downstream business in South Africa, including a network of 580 company- and dealer-owned mobility and convenience sites, as well as lubricants, commercial fuels, aviation, and marine businesses. The brand had fuel volumes of approximately 3.5 billion liters and operated 360 convenience stores as of 2025. For more information about SDSA, please visit: www.shell.co.za.
Transaction rationale
The South African fuel retail sector offers attractive fundamentals. South Africa's investments in critical transport infrastructure, alongside a growing driving-age population, reinforce the growth potential of fuel consumption. The country benefits from a strong and transparent regulatory framework for fuel retail, with pricing structures designed to insulate margins against inflation and currency volatility. Together, these characteristics create a compelling environment for sustainable growth, consistent performance and cash generation, supporting long-term value creation for shareholders.
ADNOC Distribution is committed to contributing to South Africa's strategic economic priorities following the completion of the Proposed Acquisition and the subsequent sell-down to a local empowerment partner, with a focus on energy security, job creation and inclusive economic participation priorities through the local partner. The Company will seek to appoint a partner with a deep understanding of the South African sector, its regulatory environment and local operating requirements, including alignment with the objectives of the country's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legislation.
The Proposed Acquisition is expected to be value-accretive to ADNOC Distribution, bolstering its earnings per share by 6% in the first full year after completion, and is projected to generate an IRR in excess of the hurdle rate for the Company's fuel and convenience retail business.
Upon closing, the Proposed Acquisition would mark a key milestone in ADNOC Distribution's international growth strategy towards building a stronger fuel retail presence in Africa. South Africa represents the fourth country where ADNOC Distribution would operate and follows its acquisition of a 50% stake in TotalEnergies Marketing Egypt in 2023 and the 2018 launch of its retail fuel stations in Saudi Arabia.
BofA Securities acted as the sole financial advisor. A&O Shearman and ENS provided legal counsel to ADNOC Distribution on the transaction.
Conference call
ADNOC Distribution will host a conference call for investors and analysts on July 7, 2026, at 3:30pm UAE time. The call will be hosted by Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki CEO alongside members of ADNOC Distribution's senior management team.
About ADNOC Distribution
ADNOC Distribution is a leading mobility retailer in UAE. The Company has been providing energy for customers' journeys since 1973. Since this time, the Company has continuously been at the forefront of providing the best in customer service. Today, ADNOC Distribution enables, enhances, and energizes every customer journey thanks to digitally enabled, innovative customer experiences and high-quality non-fuel retail products. The Company operates service stations in all seven emirates in its home country, plus Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and sells lubricants in 53 countries across the world via distributors. Now in its 52nd year, ADNOC Distribution has 1,032 service stations, 568 in the UAE, 219 in Saudi Arabia, and 245 in Egypt. As a non-fuel retail leader in the UAE, it operates 386 ADNOC Oasis convenience stores, 37 vehicle inspection centers, and other leading services spanning car wash, lube change, and has 400 EV charging points installed under the E2GO brand in the UAE. The Company is also a leading marketer and distributor of fuels to commercial, industrial, and government customers throughout the UAE. All figures as of 31 March 2026. ADNOC Distribution aims to be the global mobility retailer of choice, enabler of sustainable mobility, and provider of exceptional customer experiences. To find out more, visit www.adnocdistribution.ae.
Disclaimer
This communication includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "targets", "forecasts", "projects", "expects", "intends", "plans", "pursues", "may", "could", "should", "will", "budgets", "outlook", "trends", "guidance" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology; by the forward-looking nature of discussions of strategy, plans or intentions or by their context. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding ADNOC Distribution's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, amongst other things, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which ADNOC Distribution operates.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties because they are based on numerous assumptions regarding ADNOC Distribution's present and future business strategies and future events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the actual results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth and the development of the industry in which ADNOC Distribution and its subsidiaries (the "Group") operates, may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements set out in this communication. Past performance of ADNOC Distribution cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.
These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors including changes in market conditions and consumer demand across the markets in which the Group operates, many of which are beyond ADNOC Distribution's control and are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. As a result, you are cautioned not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
Unless legally required, ADNOC Distribution undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this communication and each of ADNOC Distribution and any of its respective parent or subsidiary undertakings, or the subsidiary undertakings of any such parent undertakings, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or advisers expressly disclaims responsibility for the accuracy of the opinions expressed in this communication or the underlying assumptions, and any obligations or undertaking to release any update of, or additions or revisions to, any forward-looking statements in this communication. In addition, even if the results of operations, financial condition and liquidity of the Group, and the development of the industry in which the Group operates, are consistent with the forward-looking statements set out in this communication, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.
ABU DHABI, UAE and JOHANNESBURG , July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ADNOC Distribution (ISIN: AEA006101017) (Symbol: ADNOCDIST) today announced that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the share capital of Shell Downstream South Africa ("SDSA") from Shell South Africa Holdings (the "Proposed Acquisition").
The Proposed Acquisition has an implied enterprise value of approximately $1 billion for 100% of the share capital prior to adjustment for net debt and working capital and is expected to close in 2027, subject to customary regulatory conditions, other conditions precedent and closing conditions. A 28% stake in SDSA is expected to be sold on to a local empowerment partner and Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) following completion of the Proposed Acquisition.
ADNOC Distribution will enter into a long-term brand licensing agreement upon completion of the Proposed Acquisition to retain the Shell brand for retail service stations and lubricants businesses in South Africa. Upon completion, Customers will continue to receive their preferred and trusted experience under ADNOC Distribution's stewardship.
Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, said: "The Proposed Acquisition marks a significant milestone in ADNOC Distribution's international growth strategy and reflects our confidence in South Africa as a high-potential, well-regulated fuel retail sector. Shell Downstream South Africa is a respected and financially strong business with deep roots in the local economy, and its values and ambitions align closely with our own. By bringing it into the ADNOC Distribution family, we plan to accelerate our international expansion, diversify our platform and create sustainable long-term value for our shareholders, our partners and the customers and communities that this business has proudly served for decades."
About Shell Downstream South Africa
SDSA represents Shell's downstream business in South Africa, including a network of 580 company- and dealer-owned mobility and convenience sites, as well as lubricants, commercial fuels, aviation, and marine businesses. The brand had fuel volumes of approximately 3.5 billion liters and operated 360 convenience stores as of 2025. For more information about SDSA, please visit: www.shell.co.za.
Transaction rationale
The South African fuel retail sector offers attractive fundamentals. South Africa's investments in critical transport infrastructure, alongside a growing driving-age population, reinforce the growth potential of fuel consumption. The country benefits from a strong and transparent regulatory framework for fuel retail, with pricing structures designed to insulate margins against inflation and currency volatility. Together, these characteristics create a compelling environment for sustainable growth, consistent performance and cash generation, supporting long-term value creation for shareholders.
ADNOC Distribution is committed to contributing to South Africa's strategic economic priorities following the completion of the Proposed Acquisition and the subsequent sell-down to a local empowerment partner, with a focus on energy security, job creation and inclusive economic participation priorities through the local partner. The Company will seek to appoint a partner with a deep understanding of the South African sector, its regulatory environment and local operating requirements, including alignment with the objectives of the country's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legislation.
The Proposed Acquisition is expected to be value-accretive to ADNOC Distribution, bolstering its earnings per share by 6% in the first full year after completion, and is projected to generate an IRR in excess of the hurdle rate for the Company's fuel and convenience retail business.
Upon closing, the Proposed Acquisition would mark a key milestone in ADNOC Distribution's international growth strategy towards building a stronger fuel retail presence in Africa. South Africa represents the fourth country where ADNOC Distribution would operate and follows its acquisition of a 50% stake in TotalEnergies Marketing Egypt in 2023 and the 2018 launch of its retail fuel stations in Saudi Arabia.
BofA Securities acted as the sole financial advisor. A&O Shearman and ENS provided legal counsel to ADNOC Distribution on the transaction.
Conference call
ADNOC Distribution will host a conference call for investors and analysts on July 7, 2026, at 3:30pm UAE time. The call will be hosted by Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki CEO alongside members of ADNOC Distribution's senior management team.
About ADNOC Distribution
ADNOC Distribution is a leading mobility retailer in UAE. The Company has been providing energy for customers' journeys since 1973. Since this time, the Company has continuously been at the forefront of providing the best in customer service. Today, ADNOC Distribution enables, enhances, and energizes every customer journey thanks to digitally enabled, innovative customer experiences and high-quality non-fuel retail products. The Company operates service stations in all seven emirates in its home country, plus Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and sells lubricants in 53 countries across the world via distributors. Now in its 52nd year, ADNOC Distribution has 1,032 service stations, 568 in the UAE, 219 in Saudi Arabia, and 245 in Egypt. As a non-fuel retail leader in the UAE, it operates 386 ADNOC Oasis convenience stores, 37 vehicle inspection centers, and other leading services spanning car wash, lube change, and has 400 EV charging points installed under the E2GO brand in the UAE. The Company is also a leading marketer and distributor of fuels to commercial, industrial, and government customers throughout the UAE. All figures as of 31 March 2026. ADNOC Distribution aims to be the global mobility retailer of choice, enabler of sustainable mobility, and provider of exceptional customer experiences. To find out more, visit www.adnocdistribution.ae.
Disclaimer
This communication includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "targets", "forecasts", "projects", "expects", "intends", "plans", "pursues", "may", "could", "should", "will", "budgets", "outlook", "trends", "guidance" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology; by the forward-looking nature of discussions of strategy, plans or intentions or by their context. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding ADNOC Distribution's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, amongst other things, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which ADNOC Distribution operates.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties because they are based on numerous assumptions regarding ADNOC Distribution's present and future business strategies and future events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the actual results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth and the development of the industry in which ADNOC Distribution and its subsidiaries (the "Group") operates, may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements set out in this communication. Past performance of ADNOC Distribution cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.
These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors including changes in market conditions and consumer demand across the markets in which the Group operates, many of which are beyond ADNOC Distribution's control and are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. As a result, you are cautioned not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
Unless legally required, ADNOC Distribution undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this communication and each of ADNOC Distribution and any of its respective parent or subsidiary undertakings, or the subsidiary undertakings of any such parent undertakings, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or advisers expressly disclaims responsibility for the accuracy of the opinions expressed in this communication or the underlying assumptions, and any obligations or undertaking to release any update of, or additions or revisions to, any forward-looking statements in this communication. In addition, even if the results of operations, financial condition and liquidity of the Group, and the development of the industry in which the Group operates, are consistent with the forward-looking statements set out in this communication, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
ADNOC Distribution enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Shell Downstream South Africa
ADNOC Distribution enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Shell Downstream South Africa
- Seeking biotech investment, breakthrough innovations, or a strategic gateway to the Asia-Pacific? The answers await in Hong Kong this September.
HONG KONG, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th Hong Kong International Biotechnology Conference and Exhibition (BIOHK2026), jointly organized by the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization and Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions, will take place from September 9 to 12, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Biotechnology is no longer simply a fast-growing industry—it is transforming healthcare, strengthening global health security, extending human longevity, and reshaping the future economy. As breakthroughs in AI-driven drug discovery, gene therapies, cell therapy, and precision medicine accelerate, collaboration across science, industry, investment, and regulation has never been more important. BIOHK2026 provides that platform. Rooted in Hong Kong's unique role as Asia's global Super-Connector, BIOHK2026 brings together an expanded conference and exhibition featuring world-class speakers, leading exhibitors, investors, innovators, and policymakers from around the world. More than a scientific meeting, BIOHK2026 serves as a platform where ideas become collaborations, partnerships become investments, and innovation accelerates toward real-world impact.
Strengthening Asia-Pacific Synergy: Why Hong Kong?
Capitalizing on Hong Kong's role as a global 'Super-Connector and Super Value Adder', BIOHK2026 is strategically positioned in the Asia-Pacific market.
Why Hong Kong? The city offers an unparalleled capital and business ecosystem that no other hub can replicate:
- A Global Biotech Financing Hub: Backed by the revolutionary Chapter 18A listing rules, Hong Kong stands as a world-leading IPO funding hub for biotech, boasting an unmatched ecosystem for pre-revenue life science enterprises. Following its strong IPO resurgence in 2025, the city provides ultimate liquidity and specialized capital depth.
- A Magnet for Global Wealth: Hong Kong is home to over 3,800 family offices, representing a massive, untapped reservoir of private wealth actively seeking high-yield, impactful biotech and healthcare investments.
- The Global Pharma Nexus: Five of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies—GSK, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Merck, and Roche—are aggressively expanding their strategic operations, R&D footprints, and clinical collaborations right here in Hong Kong.
By anchoring in this city, BIOHK2026 effectively enables Asian innovative enterprises to go global and empowers international MNCs to accelerate expansion into Asia. The event has already secured in-person attendance commitments from senior government officials from ASEAN countries, while actively inviting professional delegations from across the entire Asia-Pacific region.
Expanded Scale, Connecting Global Resources
This edition will host over 200 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions, alongside upwards of 10,000 professional visitors, investors, and industry representatives spanning government, industry, academia, research institutions, clinical institutions, and capital markets. To further elevate its academic and industrial impact, the event will convene more than 250 world-class speakers across over 50 dedicated forums and sessions.
BIOHK2026 provides a rare opportunity to engage directly with the scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders shaping the future of biotechnology. Whether exchanging ideas, exploring partnerships, or presenting new innovations, attendees gain access to a uniquely collaborative global community.
Proven Commercial Impact: Why BIOHK is Special
BIOHK is more than a scientific conference. It is a platform where research, industry, investment, and policy converge to accelerate partnerships, commercialization, and real-world impact. Over the past editions, including the landmark BIOHK2025 which hosted more than 20 listed/IPO-stage enterprises live on-site and successfully facilitated hundreds of millions of dollars in total capital ecosystem funding, our platform has directly witnessed a series of high-profile industrial partnerships and financial milestones:
- Industry Establishment—A Fortune Global 500 conglomerate has committed HKD 2 billion to establish a presence in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis.
- Project Investment—A leading venture fund finalized an HKD 150 million investment in a cutting-edge brain-computer interface startup.
- IPO Success—An AI-driven drug discovery firm achieved the year's highest fundraising IPO in the Hong Kong healthcare sector.
- Business Development—A top-tier pharmaceutical manufacturer secured an R&D cooperation agreement worth RMB 550 million with an AI platform.
At BIOHK, exhibiting is more than showcasing your technology—it is an opportunity to build strategic partnerships, engage investors, meet potential customers, and become part of a global ecosystem driving the future of biotechnology.
Key Themes Driving Global Biotechnology
With the theme 'Kaleidoscope', BIOHK2026 showcases Hong Kong's vibrant life sciences ecosystem and the diverse and ever-evolving potential of biotechnology. What makes our scientific agenda so compelling is its focus on immediate global execution—bridging the gap between regulation and frontier science through a diverse range of sessions covering topics such as:
1. Regulatory Science & Global Access
Hong Kong Center for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR), Towards the Primary Evaluation, Tier 1 Approval, Global Regulatory Synergy, Global Mutual Trust in Quality, Intellectual Property Protection, and Cross-Border Compliance
2. Frontier Technology & Original Innovation
Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Advanced Original Innovation in Cutting-Edge Therapies, Biomanufacturing, Brain-Computer Interface
3. Clinical Translation & Industrial Ecosystem
Clinical Trials, Biotechnology Policy and Ecosystem, Industrialization and Commercialization of New Drug R&D, Traditional Chinese Medicine
4. Finance, Capital & Cross-Border Deal-Making
The New Global Biotechnology Order and Hong Kong's Strategic Fulcrum, Early-Stage Investment & Incubation, IPO & Secondary Markets, Cross-border Transactions & M&A Integration
5. Future Medicine & Digital Health
Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare, Aging & Longevity, Cancer, General Health
World-Class Speaker Lineup: Global Leaders Shaping the Future of Biotechnology
BIOHK2026 brings together a carefully curated lineup of internationally recognized leaders whose work is shaping the future of biotechnology across research, healthcare, industry, investment, and public policy. Together, they represent the policymakers shaping regulation, the scientists advancing discovery, the entrepreneurs driving innovation, and the investors accelerating the commercialization of breakthrough technologies.
Our prestigious lineup spans six key dimensions—Government, Industry, Research, Investment, Academia, and Innovation—bringing together internationally recognized leaders from across the global biotechnology ecosystem. Highlights of the speaker lineup are shown below, with many distinguished speakers participating across the conference program:
- Government: Senior government and regulatory leaders, including Prof Dong SUN, JP (Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of Hong Kong), Prof LO Chung Mau, BBS, JP (Secretary for Health of Hong Kong), Dr Raymond Chua (CEO of the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore), and Dr Taruna Ikrar (Chairperson of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority, BPOM).
- Industry: Leading pharmaceutical executives and biotechnology entrepreneurs, including Sir Jonathan Symonds (Chair of GSK) and Dr Xiaodong Wang (Founder of BeOne Medicine).
- Research: Renowned scientists and Nobel laureates, including Sir Tim Hunt (Nobel Laureate) and Dr Victor Dzau (President of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine).
- Investment: Global investment and financial leaders, including Clara Chan(CEO of HKIC) and Francois Maisonrouge (Senior Managing Director of Evercore).
- Academia: World-leading academic researchers and university leaders, including Prof Yuk-Ming Dennis Lo (President of CUHK) and Prof Frances Platt (Head of the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford).
- Innovation: Clinical and industry leaders driving real-world innovation, including Song Ruilin (Chief Expert of PhIRDA) and Dr Philip Sabes (Co-Founder of Neuralink).
Global Exhibitor & Partner Lineup
BIOHK 2026 brings together leading global pharmaceutical companies such as GSK, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Merck, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer, but also leading Chinese biotechnology innovators, including BeOne Medicine, Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, Yunnan Baiyao and BGI Genomics. Meanwhile, regional pavilions representing China's core biomedical hubs—such as Beijing e-Town, Suzhou BioBay, and Shanghai Zhangjiang Pharma Valley—shine alongside international pavilions from over ten countries and regions, including the Nordic Region, Eastern United States, Japan, Uruguay, and Australia. Together, these exhibitors provide attendees with opportunities to discover emerging technologies, explore strategic partnerships, evaluate investment opportunities, and engage with innovators from across the global biotechnology ecosystem.
A Comprehensive Platform for Business, Networking & Culture
Beyond its world-class conference and exhibition, BIOHK2026 offers a diverse range of interactive events designed to facilitate deeper business connections and unforgettable experiences. Attendees can participate in high-level Roundtable Forums and Keynote Speeches, dive into technical deep-dives at the Project Roadshows, and conduct efficient business matching in the dedicated Exhibition Space. A dedicated one-to-one Partnering is also available, enabling attendees to search for other participants on the system and schedule business meetings in advance. Recognizing that meaningful collaborations often begin through personal connections, the organizers have curated exclusive Closed-door Dinners and unique Victoria Harbour Cruises. These events offer a unique blend of professional networking and Hong Kong's iconic cultural charm, ensuring that every participant, from startups to multinationals, can maximize their show experience.
Secure Your Place at BIOHK2026
September 9–12, 2026 | BIOHK2026 — Where Leaders Unite Biotech Advances
We cordially invite global biopharma executives, researchers, investors, regulators, clinical experts, and industry leaders to gather in Hong Kong and explore the new frontiers of biotechnology.
For further details, please contact us via the channels above.
About HKBIO
The Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization (HKBIO) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the growth, internationalization, and innovation of Hong Kong's life sciences ecosystem. Bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia, research, and capital markets, HKBIO serves as a Super-Connector, fostering cross-border collaboration, accelerating clinical translation, and supporting the commercialization of biotechnology innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. Through its initiatives, HKBIO continues to strengthen Hong Kong's position as a leading international biotechnology and healthcare innovation hub while helping transform scientific breakthroughs into real-world healthcare solutions.
PR Newswire is the Official Press Release Distribution Partner of BIOHK2026.
For more information, please visit https://www.bio-hk.com/.
HONG KONG, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th Hong Kong International Biotechnology Conference and Exhibition (BIOHK2026), jointly organized by the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization and Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions, will take place from September 9 to 12, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Biotechnology is no longer simply a fast-growing industry—it is transforming healthcare, strengthening global health security, extending human longevity, and reshaping the future economy. As breakthroughs in AI-driven drug discovery, gene therapies, cell therapy, and precision medicine accelerate, collaboration across science, industry, investment, and regulation has never been more important. BIOHK2026 provides that platform. Rooted in Hong Kong's unique role as Asia's global Super-Connector, BIOHK2026 brings together an expanded conference and exhibition featuring world-class speakers, leading exhibitors, investors, innovators, and policymakers from around the world. More than a scientific meeting, BIOHK2026 serves as a platform where ideas become collaborations, partnerships become investments, and innovation accelerates toward real-world impact.
Strengthening Asia-Pacific Synergy: Why Hong Kong?
Capitalizing on Hong Kong's role as a global 'Super-Connector and Super Value Adder', BIOHK2026 is strategically positioned in the Asia-Pacific market.
Why Hong Kong? The city offers an unparalleled capital and business ecosystem that no other hub can replicate:
- A Global Biotech Financing Hub: Backed by the revolutionary Chapter 18A listing rules, Hong Kong stands as a world-leading IPO funding hub for biotech, boasting an unmatched ecosystem for pre-revenue life science enterprises. Following its strong IPO resurgence in 2025, the city provides ultimate liquidity and specialized capital depth.
- A Magnet for Global Wealth: Hong Kong is home to over 3,800 family offices, representing a massive, untapped reservoir of private wealth actively seeking high-yield, impactful biotech and healthcare investments.
- The Global Pharma Nexus: Five of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies—GSK, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Merck, and Roche—are aggressively expanding their strategic operations, R&D footprints, and clinical collaborations right here in Hong Kong.
By anchoring in this city, BIOHK2026 effectively enables Asian innovative enterprises to go global and empowers international MNCs to accelerate expansion into Asia. The event has already secured in-person attendance commitments from senior government officials from ASEAN countries, while actively inviting professional delegations from across the entire Asia-Pacific region.
Expanded Scale, Connecting Global Resources
This edition will host over 200 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions, alongside upwards of 10,000 professional visitors, investors, and industry representatives spanning government, industry, academia, research institutions, clinical institutions, and capital markets. To further elevate its academic and industrial impact, the event will convene more than 250 world-class speakers across over 50 dedicated forums and sessions.
BIOHK2026 provides a rare opportunity to engage directly with the scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders shaping the future of biotechnology. Whether exchanging ideas, exploring partnerships, or presenting new innovations, attendees gain access to a uniquely collaborative global community.
Proven Commercial Impact: Why BIOHK is Special
BIOHK is more than a scientific conference. It is a platform where research, industry, investment, and policy converge to accelerate partnerships, commercialization, and real-world impact. Over the past editions, including the landmark BIOHK2025 which hosted more than 20 listed/IPO-stage enterprises live on-site and successfully facilitated hundreds of millions of dollars in total capital ecosystem funding, our platform has directly witnessed a series of high-profile industrial partnerships and financial milestones:
- Industry Establishment—A Fortune Global 500 conglomerate has committed HKD 2 billion to establish a presence in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis.
- Project Investment—A leading venture fund finalized an HKD 150 million investment in a cutting-edge brain-computer interface startup.
- IPO Success—An AI-driven drug discovery firm achieved the year's highest fundraising IPO in the Hong Kong healthcare sector.
- Business Development—A top-tier pharmaceutical manufacturer secured an R&D cooperation agreement worth RMB 550 million with an AI platform.
At BIOHK, exhibiting is more than showcasing your technology—it is an opportunity to build strategic partnerships, engage investors, meet potential customers, and become part of a global ecosystem driving the future of biotechnology.
Key Themes Driving Global Biotechnology
With the theme 'Kaleidoscope', BIOHK2026 showcases Hong Kong's vibrant life sciences ecosystem and the diverse and ever-evolving potential of biotechnology. What makes our scientific agenda so compelling is its focus on immediate global execution—bridging the gap between regulation and frontier science through a diverse range of sessions covering topics such as:
1. Regulatory Science & Global Access
Hong Kong Center for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR), Towards the Primary Evaluation, Tier 1 Approval, Global Regulatory Synergy, Global Mutual Trust in Quality, Intellectual Property Protection, and Cross-Border Compliance
2. Frontier Technology & Original Innovation
Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Advanced Original Innovation in Cutting-Edge Therapies, Biomanufacturing, Brain-Computer Interface
3. Clinical Translation & Industrial Ecosystem
Clinical Trials, Biotechnology Policy and Ecosystem, Industrialization and Commercialization of New Drug R&D, Traditional Chinese Medicine
4. Finance, Capital & Cross-Border Deal-Making
The New Global Biotechnology Order and Hong Kong's Strategic Fulcrum, Early-Stage Investment & Incubation, IPO & Secondary Markets, Cross-border Transactions & M&A Integration
5. Future Medicine & Digital Health
Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare, Aging & Longevity, Cancer, General Health
World-Class Speaker Lineup: Global Leaders Shaping the Future of Biotechnology
BIOHK2026 brings together a carefully curated lineup of internationally recognized leaders whose work is shaping the future of biotechnology across research, healthcare, industry, investment, and public policy. Together, they represent the policymakers shaping regulation, the scientists advancing discovery, the entrepreneurs driving innovation, and the investors accelerating the commercialization of breakthrough technologies.
Our prestigious lineup spans six key dimensions—Government, Industry, Research, Investment, Academia, and Innovation—bringing together internationally recognized leaders from across the global biotechnology ecosystem. Highlights of the speaker lineup are shown below, with many distinguished speakers participating across the conference program:
- Government: Senior government and regulatory leaders, including Prof Dong SUN, JP (Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of Hong Kong), Prof LO Chung Mau, BBS, JP (Secretary for Health of Hong Kong), Dr Raymond Chua (CEO of the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore), and Dr Taruna Ikrar (Chairperson of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority, BPOM).
- Industry: Leading pharmaceutical executives and biotechnology entrepreneurs, including Sir Jonathan Symonds (Chair of GSK) and Dr Xiaodong Wang (Founder of BeOne Medicine).
- Research: Renowned scientists and Nobel laureates, including Sir Tim Hunt (Nobel Laureate) and Dr Victor Dzau (President of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine).
- Investment: Global investment and financial leaders, including Clara Chan(CEO of HKIC) and Francois Maisonrouge (Senior Managing Director of Evercore).
- Academia: World-leading academic researchers and university leaders, including Prof Yuk-Ming Dennis Lo (President of CUHK) and Prof Frances Platt (Head of the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford).
- Innovation: Clinical and industry leaders driving real-world innovation, including Song Ruilin (Chief Expert of PhIRDA) and Dr Philip Sabes (Co-Founder of Neuralink).
Global Exhibitor & Partner Lineup
BIOHK 2026 brings together leading global pharmaceutical companies such as GSK, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Merck, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer, but also leading Chinese biotechnology innovators, including BeOne Medicine, Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, Yunnan Baiyao and BGI Genomics. Meanwhile, regional pavilions representing China's core biomedical hubs—such as Beijing e-Town, Suzhou BioBay, and Shanghai Zhangjiang Pharma Valley—shine alongside international pavilions from over ten countries and regions, including the Nordic Region, Eastern United States, Japan, Uruguay, and Australia. Together, these exhibitors provide attendees with opportunities to discover emerging technologies, explore strategic partnerships, evaluate investment opportunities, and engage with innovators from across the global biotechnology ecosystem.
A Comprehensive Platform for Business, Networking & Culture
Beyond its world-class conference and exhibition, BIOHK2026 offers a diverse range of interactive events designed to facilitate deeper business connections and unforgettable experiences. Attendees can participate in high-level Roundtable Forums and Keynote Speeches, dive into technical deep-dives at the Project Roadshows, and conduct efficient business matching in the dedicated Exhibition Space. A dedicated one-to-one Partnering is also available, enabling attendees to search for other participants on the system and schedule business meetings in advance. Recognizing that meaningful collaborations often begin through personal connections, the organizers have curated exclusive Closed-door Dinners and unique Victoria Harbour Cruises. These events offer a unique blend of professional networking and Hong Kong's iconic cultural charm, ensuring that every participant, from startups to multinationals, can maximize their show experience.
Secure Your Place at BIOHK2026
September 9–12, 2026 | BIOHK2026 — Where Leaders Unite Biotech Advances
We cordially invite global biopharma executives, researchers, investors, regulators, clinical experts, and industry leaders to gather in Hong Kong and explore the new frontiers of biotechnology.
For further details, please contact us via the channels above.
About HKBIO
The Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization (HKBIO) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the growth, internationalization, and innovation of Hong Kong's life sciences ecosystem. Bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia, research, and capital markets, HKBIO serves as a Super-Connector, fostering cross-border collaboration, accelerating clinical translation, and supporting the commercialization of biotechnology innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. Through its initiatives, HKBIO continues to strengthen Hong Kong's position as a leading international biotechnology and healthcare innovation hub while helping transform scientific breakthroughs into real-world healthcare solutions.
PR Newswire is the Official Press Release Distribution Partner of BIOHK2026.
For more information, please visit https://www.bio-hk.com/.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
BIOHK2026 (Hong Kong International Biotechnology Conference and Exhibition), 9-12 September, Hong Kong - Connecting Global Leaders in Biotechnology
