Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings said on Monday it plans to bring in a major strategic investor from the Chinese mainland to be a “significant member” of a consortium aiming to acquire the group’s global port assets, including facilities at the Panama Canal, after the exclusive talks period for the $22.8-billion sale expired.

In a stock exchange statement, CK Hutchison said it “remains in discussions with members of the consortium with a view to inviting a major strategic investor from (the mainland) to join as a significant member of the consortium”.

“Changes to the membership of the consortium and the structure of the transaction will be needed for the transaction to be capable of being approved by all relevant authorities,” it added, noting that it intends to allow sufficient time for these talks.

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On March 4, CK Hutchison announced it plans to sell its 43 ports across 23 countries, including key facilities at both ends of the Panama Canal, to a consortium led by US-headquartered asset manager BlackRock, and begin 145 days of exclusive negotiations, which ended Sunday.

Contact the writer at irisli@chinadailyhk.com