Japan's Marubeni plans 56 billion won investment in company co-led by Kim Tae-wook, 'Chae Shi-ra's husband'

[Financial News] iFamilySC, co-led by Kim Tae-wook, husband of actor Chae Shi-ra, is currently trading at the daily upper limit.
According to the Korea Exchange (KRX), as of 2:40 p.m. on the 23rd, iFamilySC was trading at 10,940 won, up 2,520 won (29.93%) from the previous day. Buying appears to have surged after news emerged that Marubeni Corporation, one of Japan's five major general trading companies, would acquire a stake in iFamilySC through a tender offer.
iFamilySC, a K-beauty company listed on the KOSDAQ in 2021, has expanded its overseas business with its color cosmetics brand Rom&nd, which offers products such as lip tints. It has gained particularly strong recognition in Japan.
iFamilySC announced today that Welliant, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation, plans to acquire up to a 28% stake in the company through a tender offer. The offer price is 12,000 won per share, 42.5% above the previous day's closing price of 8,420 won.
The funds to be committed to the tender offer amount to up to approximately 56 billion won. The offer period runs for 20 days, from today through the 11th of next month, and the settlement date is November 13. If the tender offer succeeds, Marubeni Corporation will become a major shareholder in iFamilySC.
However, according to the tender offer document, co-CEOs Kim Tae-wook and Sunghyun Kim will retain their position as the largest shareholders. Kim Tae-wook, who holds a 28.4% stake, and Sunghyun Kim, who holds 14%, agreed not to tender their shares in the offer. If the maximum number of shares is acquired, Marubeni's side and the two co-CEOs will hold a combined 70.39%. Even if only the minimum number is secured, their combined stake will be 62.39%.
The stake acquisition is seen as a move to expand strategic cooperation between the two companies. iFamilySC has entered into a strategic business alliance with Marubeni Corporation and establish an investment committee, a business development division, and a management planning division. Marubeni Corporation plans to support iFamilySC's expansion into overseas markets and seek out global investment opportunities.
[email protected] Kim Hee-sun Reporter