New rules to curb big share sales

At least 140 listed firms pledge to increase holdings, while 100 companies may keep away from exercise

Nine listed companies have unveiled share sales plans by their major shareholders since the securities regulator imposed new restrictions, indicating that the new rules have worked to curb massive share selling and prevent it from weighing on the country's fragile stock market.

Major shareholders of these companies have opted to sell their holdings through block trade, a permissible and privately negotiated equities transaction that takes place outside the public market.