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Double issue of shares in Hong Kong and London
As noted by a specialist website and according to information provided by Reuters, AS Watson Group, owned by the CK Hutchison Holdings conglomerate, has chosen Goldman Sachs and UBS to conduct a public offering. The planned double issue of shares is to be one of the largest events in the retail sector in recent years. In turn, sources cited by Bloomberg indicate that the preparation process is at an early stage and details regarding the valuation, schedule and structure of the transaction are still being determined.
According to previous reports, the AS Watson IPO could bring in at least $2 billion. The sources emphasize that the funds obtained may be used to develop the group's activities, including investments in e-commerce, digital technologies and expansion into new markets.
AS Watson Group – a global leader in the health and beauty sector
AS Watson Group is the world's largest health and beauty retail group. The company operates in 31 countries, managing over 17,000. stores under 12 brands, including Watsons, Superdrug, Kruidvat and Rossmann. The conglomerate combines stationary sales with e-commerce, offering a wide range of products – from cosmetics and health products to electronics and food in some markets.
The group, owned by CK Hutchison Holdings, is developing its business model by integrating traditional stores with modern technologies, which allows it to maintain its leading position in its industry. The scale of operations means that a possible stock exchange debut may be one of the most important events on the financial market in the near future.
Rossmann – a key element of European business
One of AS Watson's most important assets in Europe is the Rossmann network, which plays a key role in the group's structure. Founded in 1972 in Germany, the company has become one of the largest drugstore operators on the continent. Currently, Rossmann runs over 4.7 thousand stores in Europe, employing over 62 thousand. employees. In 2024, the network achieved revenues of EUR 15.3 billion, recording over 10%. year-on-year growth.
Rossmann operates, among others, in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain and Turkey. There are plans for further expansion into new markets. In Poland, where the chain has been operating since 1993. In October 2025, Rossmann exceeded the threshold of 2,000. shops. Every day, drugstores in our country are visited by over 1.18 million customers, which gives the company as much as 35 percent. market share.
The impact of the IPO on Rossmann and the Polish market
As the Commercial News website emphasizes, the stock exchange debut of AS Watson may significantly influence the development of Rossmann, especially in Poland. The funds obtained can be used to expand infrastructure, develop e-commerce and digital tools, which will enable the company to increase its competitiveness. Rossmann, as one of the largest and most stable brands in the group, will certainly attract the attention of investors.
In Poland, Rossmann generated revenues of PLN 15 billion in 2024, offering 24,000. products, including 2.6 thousand own brands. Thanks to the extensive logistics infrastructure, including warehouses in Łódź, Grudziądz, Pyskowice and Dąbrówka, the chain has solid foundations for further expansion. The IPO of AS Watson may therefore strengthen Rossmann's position on the Polish market and contribute to increased competition in the health & beauty segment.
