아시아나 인수기업 촉각…SK 한화 CJ 애경 누구 손에?<br /><br />One of Korea's biggest conglomerates, Kumho Asiana, is going through a cash crunch and has decided to sell off its flagship unit, Asiana Airlines.<br />Several names have come up as potential bidders.<br />We won't know who's taking over for a while, but our Kim Da-mi takes a look at what these companies are bringing to the table. <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 />For Shinsegae, purchasing the airline may help the conglomerate grow its duty-free business. <br />While other conglomerates including CJ Group are denying any interest, experts say the denials could just be a business strategy,... to prevent the sale price from soaring. <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 /> The chairman of the State Development Bank, Lee Dong-gull, suggests that Asiana Airlines' affiliates, including Busan Air, will be included in the sale, and that Kumho Asiana's main creditors will come up with detailed financing plan before April 25th.<br />As any plans to take over the heavily-indebted airline are still in their infancy,... it will take at least 6 months before we know which group will be Asiana Airlines' new owner.<br />Kim Da-mi, Arirang News.<br />
