Korean Air's Asiana deal hits turbulence as stakeholder objects

Labor unions also oppose government-backed industry consolidation

20201125N Korean Air-Asiana merger

Activist fund KCGI's stake in Hanjin KAL would likely be diluted under the terms of the planned Asiana acquisition. © Kyodo

KOTARO HOSOKAWA, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- Korean Air Lines faces heavy resistance to a planned acquisition of domestic rival Asiana Airlines, including from a major shareholder of KAL's parent company that fears a dilution of its stake.

Korea Corporate Governance Improvement, an activist fund and major Hanjin KAL shareholder, expressed "strong opposition" to such a takeover immediately after local media reported the proposal. In an unusual step, the fund indicated its stance even before a formal announcement of the plan was made.

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