Lotte Confectionery has agreed to buy ice cream maker Havmor in the biggest Korean acquisition to date of an Indian company. It could be the start of a big new M&A trend.
Group founder’s elder son raises $341 million from selling part of his stake in retail flagship, marking his withdrawal from a bitter years-long power struggle with his brother.
The listing of Lotte Group’s retail, hospitality and entertainment business comes amid an intensified power struggle between the two sons of founder Shin Kyuk-ho.
The listing of Lotte's hotel unit may help dispel lingering questions about cross-shareholdings among the subsidiaries of Korea's family-owned conglomerates.
MBK was the preferred bidder, but after the stock price dipped and talks dragged on, Lotte Shopping swooped in as the strategic acquirer of Hi-Mart, Korea's largest electronics retailer.
Woori Bank is lining up a subordinated-debt issue, while Industrial Bank of Korea, GS Engineering & Construction, Lotte Shopping, KDB and Hong Leong Bank are waiting in the wings.
Lotte Shopping pays aggressively to consolidate its position in South Korea, acquiring three department stores and 14 discount stores from GS Retail for $1.12 billion.