With Korea's number two carrier Asiana Airlines up for sale now... speculation is rampant as to who will take over the airline.<br />Our Kim Da-mi has more. <br />Several South Korean conglomerates have been mentioned as potential buyers of Asiana Airlines, mainly based on their financial stability... and the ability to afford the airline's 880-million U.S. dollar price tag.<br />Among those mentioned is SK Group,... the nation's third-largest conglomerate. <br />The telecommunications and chips giant has denied all rumors of being interested in taking over Asiana Airlines, and SK chairman Chey Tae-won gave no comment when asked by reporters. <br />However, market analysts note the group's sizeable capital resources including SK Hynix and fundamental growth strategy as the main reasons for the group's possible interest. <br />The acquisition would also make SK the second-largest conglomerate by assets, which is another tempting reason for SK Group. <br />Hanwha is another potential bidder, considering the group owns an aircraft engine manufacturing unit. <br />Aekyung, the owner of South Korea’s Jeju Air, may also be interested, as Asiana Airlines may be a good addition to further expand into the aviation sector.<br />While other conglomerates including CJ Group and Shinsegae are denying any interest, experts say the denials could just be a business strategy. <br />"Interested corporations have already calculated if taking over the company is beneficial to them. They're remaining silent so that they can work on getting a deal in their favor." <br />As the competition to take over the heavily-indebted airline is only just beginning,... it will take months before we know which group will be Asiana Airlines' new owner.<br />Kim Da-mi, Arirang News. <br />
