(Updates last paragraph to add that HSBC declined to comment.)
HSBC Holdings (HKG:0005) is in advanced talks to sell its Australia loan portfolio to Blackstone as part of Chief Executive Georges Elhedery's efforts to streamline operations, Bloomberg News reported Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Blackstone emerged as the leading bidder after outbidding rival firms, the report said, adding that discussions are ongoing and no final agreement has been reached.
HSBC declined to comment, while Blackstone did not immediately respond to' request for comment.
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