ABC gets ready for dual listing

Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), the country's third largest lender by assets, said on Friday it would take at least 12 more months to complete the "technical" preparation for a share listing, adding that it is unrealistic to give a specific timetable in these uncertain times.

ABC on Friday made the official launch of its newly established holding stock company in Beijing, marking a major step forward in the transformation from a State-owned bank to a commercial institution.

Xiang Junbo was named chairman of the board and Zhang Yun the president of the joint stock company.