Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd. plans to buy back $500 million of its own shares by the end of next year as the 194-year-old Hong Kong conglomerate pivots toward an active investor model resembling private equity funds. The company outlined ambitious targets including at least 9% annual growth in total shareholder return through 2030.

Chairman Ben Keswick and CEO Lincoln Pan are steering this transformation by divesting decades-old holdings in restaurant chains, properties, and car dealerships. Jardine has already put $1.8 billion worth of Hong Kong property on the market and is exploring sales of its KFC and Pizza Hut franchises across Asia. The group aims to generate at least $200 million in profit after tax from new acquisitions.

To fund its investment strategy, Jardine plans to recycle approximately $4 billion in capital from portfolio companies through 2030, excluding its property unit and Indonesian conglomerate. The company is targeting Asia Pacific-based firms with market-leading positions that can leverage emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.

This overhaul mirrors similar restructuring efforts at CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd., where Victor Li announced divestments worth at least $41 billion. Both moves reflect Hong Kong's traditional conglomerates adapting to modern challenges amid generational leadership transitions and evolving market conditions.