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Container ship belonging to HMM. (Photo=HMM) |
[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Jisun] Harim Chairman Kim Hong-kook stated on the 16th that he would consider re-acquiring HMM (formerly Hyundai Merchant Marine), South Korea's only container shipping company, if the sale process demonstrates genuine intent. "If they put it up for sale again with real sincerity, I will review the acquisition," Kim said.
This comes after Oceans and Fisheries Minister Cho Seung-hwan mentioned in a press briefing on the 14th that efforts to privatize HMM are ongoing.
When asked by Yonhap News if he still has interest in acquiring HMM, Chairman Kim responded, "The key is whether there is genuine intent to sell." He emphasized that if the seller shows strong intent or sincerity in selling, Harim would revisit the acquisition possibility.
However, Kim expressed doubt about the government's position on finding a private owner for HMM, stating, "If they were serious, they should have sold it last time, but it’s unclear what their intentions are."
Kim pointed out that during the previous sale attempt, the Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC) did not show real willingness to sell. At that time, the major shareholders, including Korea Development Bank (KDB) and KOBC, had selected Harim Group as the preferred bidder for HMM, but the deal ultimately fell through due to unresolved differences.
AlphaBIZ Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
