The ranking of China's 50 most influential property tycoons, released Friday by researcher Rupert Hoogewerf, did not surprise the public, compared with the country's top 100 wealthiest individuals list released by his team a day earlier.

In the Real Estate Influence Ranking, Hoogewerf, who gained fame by compiling the rich list for Forbes from 1999 to 2003 and for Euromoney this year, ranked Chairman of Vanke Group Wang Shi No 1. Wang is not among the 100 richest people this year, with an estimated net worth of 900 million yuan (US$108 million).

Vanke has a property development unit listed on the Shenzhen stock market.

Second place belongs to Pan Shiyi of SOHO China, followed by Xu Rongmao of Shimao Group.

Pan was also not listed in China's 100 wealthiest people this year, while Xu was ranked third with assets valued at US$820 million.

The list is a peer-to-peer ranking after surveying 380 of the leading real estate developers, architects, consultants and journalists - each required to name the five individuals they believed have the greatest impact on China's property industry. The ranking is based on the number of votes each individual received.

When casting the vote, the respondents were asked to take into account several factors such as: operating efficiency, marketing innovation, management ability, size and scope of business as well as future development potential.

As many as 127 of the respondents replied, giving Hoogewerf and his four assistants 635 votes.

The ranking is one of three separate industrial lists. Hoogewerf, for the first time, is in partnership with Euromoney Institutional Investor, a London-based publisher and conference organizer.

"The reason I have worked out three smaller lists this year is that the three sectors are playing a pivotal role in China's private sector," Hoogewerf said. "On the other hand, we have a competing rival now."

He referred to US-based Forbes magazine, which said it will release its wealthiest individuals in China list on October 30.

On Monday, Hoogewerf is going to release the information technology list and the finance list is to be unveiled next Tuesday.

(Shanghai Daily October 17, 2003)