Mo said SouFun would like to choose the Chinese mainland market, because its customer base concentrated primarily in domestic. However, the examination and approval procedures of supervising in China is expected to be a barrier for being listed.

“Hong Kong and the United States are our two options, and the third option is the mainland China,” said Mo, “If I have to give a time frame, it is more likely to be the next year.”

Australia’s biggest telecommunications company Telecom Australia holds 51% of the shares of SouFun, and other shareholders including the United States venture capital firm IDG, and Mo Tianquan himself.

SouFun profit growth of 2009 targets at 50%, and is currently seeking acquisition opportunities around the world.

Mo says that Soufun.com has set up branches in 75 cities across China, and it plans to bring the number to 100 by next year. According to Mo, in the past three years, the business revenue and profit of Soufun.com have both increased by over 100% annually and this growth is expected to continue.

As Soufun.com’s business spans the two popular industries of real estate and Internet, the listing of Soufun.com is believed to bring great impact to both industries. Established in 1999, Soufun.com has received venture capital investment from IDG, Goldman Sachs, Trader Classified Media and Telstra. At present, Telstra is the largest shareholder of Soufun.com.

Source : Chinatechnews