HK-listed Genscript Biotech hits over 2-year high, GNS to buy 8% stake

** Shares of Chinese biotech firm Genscript Biotech Corp

jump as much as 12% to HK$22, their highest since April 2019, in afternoon trade resumed after a morning halt.

** Stock last up 7.2%, on track for the best day since May 10 and on course for third straight session of gains

** Jiangsu-based company says controlling shareholder Genscript Corp plans sale of 61.8 mln shares to GNS Holdings Ltd at HK$18.658 each for HK$1.15 bln ($148.05 mln)

** Company says it has also agreed to sell 102.98 mln new shares to GNS at HK$18.658 each, raising HK$1.92 bln ($247.19 mln) for research and development, expanding manufacturing facility and for working capital

** GNS, which Hillhouse Capital serves as investment manager, will hold 8% of the biotech firm after the deal

** Hong Kong's healthcare index rises 2.1%

** The Hang Seng China enterprises index climbs 0.5%, and the benchmark index gains 0.9%

** By last close, the stock had soared 74.1% this year