Korea Zinc Co chairman Choi Yun-beom, alongside Bain Capital, has acquired an additional 11% of the company’s shares through a recent buyback, according to a regulatory filing.
Choi, backed by Bain, has been working to counter a takeover attempt from Young Poong Corp, the company's largest shareholder, and private equity firm MBK Partners. The takeover battle revolves around control of the world’s largest zinc producer.
Following the buyback announcement, Korea Zinc shares surged by as much as 7.5%, building on last week's 52% increase. As of 9:45 a.m. in Seoul, shares were trading at 1,282,000 won (US$923, or RM4,032), significantly above Choi’s 890,000 won buyback offer, indicating that investors are anticipating further developments in the ongoing control struggle.
Shareholders representing 9.85% of Korea Zinc participated in the buyback offer, while Bain Capital acquired 1.41%. In total, Korea Zinc aimed to repurchase as much as 20% of the company’s shares.
Before the buyback, Choi had the backing of around 34% of shareholders, while Young Poong and MBK Partners control approximately 38% of the company. Notably, the shares acquired through the buyback won’t carry voting rights, meaning neither side has firm control over the company.
MBK and Young Poong have announced plans to convene an extraordinary general meeting, where they will present their strategy to improve corporate governance at Korea Zinc. “The foundation has been laid for us to enhance corporate governance,” MBK stated.
As the battle for control of Korea Zinc continues, inve
Comments
Post a Comment