Chinese entrepreneur Li Kashing, who heads holding company HUTCHISON WHAMPOA, has signed a deal to buy up French perfume chain MARIONNAUD (1200 shops, 9000 staff and 30% market share in France) for ERU 21.80 per share, valuing the French chain at EUR 350 million (EUR 900 million including debts). The deal makes Li Kashing the world leader in perfume retailing.