The Wharf (Holdings)
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Conglomerate |
| Predecessor | The Hong Kong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company, Limited |
| Founded | 1886 in Hong Kong |
| Founder | Sir Paul Chater |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong, Mainland China, Philippines |
| Products | Real estate, transportation, telecommunications, hotels |
| Owner | Wheelock & Co. |
The Wharf (Holdings) Limited (), commonly known as Wharf (九倉), was established in 1886 in Hong Kong. Initially named The Hong Kong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company, Limited, it concentrated on dockside warehousing and wharf operations, founded by Sir Paul Chater. The company adopted its present name in 1986. Its principal shareholder is Wheelock & Co.
History
Among its assets, the company retains ownership of the Star Ferry, a well-known symbol of Hong Kong, though it now represents a minor segment of its overall holdings. The Five Flag Poles, which display the flags of Wharf and its affiliated companies, serve as a notable landmark near the Tsim Sha Tsui pier adjacent to the Star Ferry.
Wharf’s two main real estate properties are the Harbour City and Times Square shopping malls. Both developments occupy sites historically connected to the company’s transportation roots—the original wharf site and the former depot of the Hong Kong Tramway, which was under its ownership from 1974 to 2009.
Additional holdings in Hong Kong include entities such as i-CABLE, Cable TV, WTT, and Modern Terminals, alongside various properties located within the Tsim Sha Tsui district of Kowloon.
On 26 July 2016, through its subsidiary Novel Colour Limited, Wharf invested RMB 150 million to establish WWE & Company, a technology enterprise specializing in social mobile shopping platforms.
In 2017, Wharf separated its real estate assets by creating a publicly traded sister company named Wharf Real Estate Investment Company (Wharf REIC). By February 2018, Wharf REIC had taken over The Wharf (Holdings)’ position in the prestigious blue-chip Hang Seng Index.
In December 2020, Wharf acquired a $1.5 billion parcel of land on the Peak, marking the first land transaction in this exclusive area since 2011.
Holdings
As of 2022, Wharf Hotels, a subsidiary, operates 17 hotels throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Of these, twelve are branded under Marco Polo Hotels, while five belong to Niccolo Hotels.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- The Wharf (Holdings)
- 1886 establishments in Hong Kong
- Companies established in 1886
- Companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- Conglomerate companies of China
- Conglomerate companies of Hong Kong
- Family-owned companies of Hong Kong
- Former companies in the Hang Seng Index
- History of foreign trade in China
- Land developers of Hong Kong
- Wheelock and Company