The impairment constituted almost all of CDL’s $1.9 billion investment in Sincere, which more than doubled from its initial outlay as its partner’s finances deteriorated. Now CDL has had enough, saying it will no longer inject funds until the Chinese company returns to health. Cash-strapped Sincere has dragged their rift into the open after missing a bond repayment.
When Singapore’s richest property family invested in a Chinese real estate group, the deal was touted as “game-changing” for its expansion in Asia’s largest economy. Almost a year later, it has instead become a cautionary tale for firms looking to invest in Chinese developers.
In a case of a dream turning into a burden, City Developments Ltd. last month revealed a $1.78 billion write-down on Chongqing-based Sincere Property Group that led the Singapore firm to suffer a record annual loss.
