Key Stats
- Founded: 1976 by Dr. Lee Shau Kee in Hong Kong
- Market Capitalization: Approximately HK$148 billion (US$19 billion) as of January 2025
- Annual Revenue: HK$25.26 billion in 2024
- Employees: Approximately 9,970 full-time staff
- Stock Exchange: Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 0012)
Henderson Land Development Company Limited ranks among Hong Kong’s largest property developers by market capitalization. The company operates across property development, investment, construction, hotel management, and infrastructure sectors.
Henderson Land focuses on residential, commercial, and industrial developments throughout Hong Kong and mainland China. The company’s portfolio includes landmark projects such as the International Finance Centre complex in Hong Kong and the World Financial Centre in Beijing.
Beyond property development, Henderson Land holds strategic investments in several listed subsidiaries and associates. These include Henderson Investment Limited, Miramar Hotel and Investment Company, Hong Kong Ferry Holdings, and The Hong Kong and China Gas Company. This diversified structure provides the company with stable recurring income streams alongside its development activities.
Henderson Land Development History
Henderson Land Development Founder
Born in Shunde, Guangdong province, Lee Shau Kee arrived in Hong Kong in 1948 and built one of the city’s largest property empires. Known as “Uncle Four” and “Hong Kong’s Warren Buffett,” he remained active in business until his death at 97. His estimated wealth reached US$29 billion.
Lee Shau Kee’s eldest son serves as joint Chairman and Managing Director. He also chairs The Hong Kong and China Gas Company and has been an Executive Director since 1985.
Lee Shau Kee’s younger son serves as joint Chairman and Managing Director alongside his brother. He also chairs Miramar Hotel and Investment Company Limited.
Henderson Land Development Competitors
Henderson Land operates in Hong Kong’s competitive real estate market alongside several major developers. The company ranks as the third-largest Hong Kong property developer by market capitalization and competes primarily through urban redevelopment and farmland conversion projects.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Hung Kai Properties | Hong Kong | Residential and commercial development |
| CK Asset Holdings | Hong Kong | Property investment and development |
| New World Development | Hong Kong | Property, infrastructure, hotels |
| Sino Land Company | Hong Kong | Residential and commercial property |
| Swire Properties | Hong Kong | Premium office and retail developments |
| China Overseas Land & Investment | Hong Kong | Mainland China property development |
| China Resources Land | Hong Kong | Residential and commercial projects |
| Longfor Group Holdings | Hong Kong | Property development and management |
| Kerry Properties | Hong Kong | Mixed-use developments |
| Wharf Holdings | Hong Kong | Property investment and logistics |
Henderson Land Development Revenue
Henderson Land Development recorded annual revenue of HK$25.26 billion in 2024, representing an 8.4% decline from the previous year. The company’s revenue streams come primarily from property sales, rental income, and contributions from associated companies in utilities and hospitality sectors.
Henderson Land Development Market Cap
Henderson Land Development’s market capitalization stood at approximately HK$148 billion (US$19 billion) as of early 2025. The company’s stock price has fluctuated significantly over the past decade, reflecting broader trends in Hong Kong’s property market and investor sentiment toward the real estate sector.
Henderson Land Development Acquisitions
Henderson Land has pursued strategic acquisitions throughout its history to expand operations and strengthen market position. The company’s approach focuses on acquiring complementary businesses that enhance its property development capabilities and provide diversified revenue streams.
In 1975, Lee Shau Kee acquired Wing Tai Development Limited, which became Henderson Investment Limited in 1985. This acquisition provided Henderson Land with a vehicle for holding diversified investments beyond core property development activities. Henderson Investment later grew to encompass stakes in hotel operations, retail chains, and infrastructure companies.
The company acquired controlling interests in the 525-room Miramar Hotel in Kowloon during the 1990s, marking its expansion into hospitality. Henderson Land also secured strategic stakes in Hong Kong Ferry Holdings and The Hong Kong and China Gas Company, creating a network of associated companies that generate stable cash flows. These investments proved particularly valuable during property market downturns.
Recent acquisitions include UNY department stores and investments in technology companies like Anjuke and DayDayCook. The company has also actively acquired urban redevelopment sites and agricultural land throughout the New Territories. Henderson Land maintains the largest agricultural land bank among Hong Kong developers, positioning it for future farmland conversion projects as government policies evolve.
FAQs
When was Henderson Land Development founded?
Henderson Land Development was founded in 1973 and formally incorporated in Hong Kong in 1976. The company was established by Dr. Lee Shau Kee after he left Sun Hung Kai Properties.
Who owns Henderson Land Development?
The Lee family controls Henderson Land through Henderson Development Limited. Peter Lee Ka-kit and Martin Lee Ka-shing serve as joint Chairmen since their father Lee Shau Kee’s retirement in 2019. The founder held approximately 70% of shares.
What is Henderson Land Development’s main business?
Henderson Land primarily develops and invests in residential, commercial, and industrial properties across Hong Kong and mainland China. The company also holds stakes in gas utilities, hotels, and retail operations.
Where is Henderson Land Development headquartered?
Henderson Land Development is headquartered in the International Finance Centre complex at 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. The company helped develop this landmark building as part of a joint venture completed in 2003.
Is Henderson Land Development publicly traded?
Yes, Henderson Land Development trades on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under stock code 0012. The company went public in 1981 and remains a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hong Kong’s benchmark stock index.