À̹ÌÁö È®´ë [Courtesy of Asiana Airlines]
Asiana Airlines¡¯ cargo business sale drew interest from several South Korean flag carriers including Eastar Jet and Air Incheon, but Jeju Air, initially seen as a key contender, ultimately opted out. Air Premia, previously considered a weaker candidate, has now partnered with Korean private equity firm MBK Partners and set the stage for a fierce three-way competition. While Asiana Airlines and Korean Air are involved in selecting the preferred bidder, the European Commission is also expected to have a significant influence on the decision-making process after reviewing the candidates.
According to industry sources on Thursday, Asiana Airlines and its deal manager UBS conducted the final bidding for the sale of Asiana Airlines¡¯ cargo business with Air Premia, Air Incheon, and Eastar Jet listed as the three final participants.
Jeju Air, Korea¡¯s top low-cost carrier, was shortlisted as a qualified buyer but Aekyung Group ultimately made an internal decision to abstain from the acquisition process. The deal manager even extended the deadline to 3 p.m. as Jeju Air decided not to submit a proposal.
By Cho Yun-hee, Na Hyun-joon and Minu Kim
[¨Ï Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]