HK shares open up 2.4 pct; Sinotruk jumps

HONG KONG, July 16 (Reuters) - Hong Kong shares will open 2.4 percent higher in preparation for a third day of gains on Thursday, with investors cheered by signs of a turnaround in key economies including upbeat earnings at U.S. companies and strong economic data from China.

Sinotruk (3808.HK) is set to soar on Thursday after German truckmaker MAN SE (MANG.DE) said it would pay 560 million euros ($786.7 million) for a 25 percent plus one share stake in the Chinese company. The stock will open 27.8 percent higher at HK$9.60.

MAN said it would pay a 21 percent premium to Hong Kong-listed Sinotruk's average share price over the past 60 days.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index .HSI was up 430.21 points at 18,688.87.

The China Enterprises Index .HSCE, which represents top locally listed mainland Chinese stocks, will start 2.5 percent higher at 11,136.58. (Reporting by Parvathy Ullatil; Editing by Chris Lewis)