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Hybe Corp., the talent titan behind K-pop sensation BTS, said Friday it will sell its stake in rival agency SM Entertainment. The move would allow Hybe to finally concede defeat in a dramatic takeover battle in which it was beaten by South Korean tech leader Kakao Corp.
move Initially bought a 14.8% stake in SM in February From SM founder and K-pop pioneer Lee Soo Man. Hybe expects to be able to purchase the remaining 3% held by Lee, subject to agreed terms, and then open an offer to other shareholders to purchase a further 15%.
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But SM management opposed Hybe’s quasi-acquisition and took advantage of Kakao and its subsidiary Kakao Entertainment through a series of measures. These include content distribution deals and the sale of newly issued stock and bonds to Kakao.
although Court rules SM won’t issue new shares Just to defeat the takeover offer, seemingly handing over the initiative to Haibei and Li, Kakao fights back with richer offer Exchange up to 35% of SM’s existing equity to all shareholders. March 12, Hybe admits its bid was insufficient and withdraws it.
In a regulatory filing on Friday, Hybe made it clear that it will now accept Kakao’s tender offer and sell its 3.75 million SM shares, or 15.8 percent, for $437 million (564 billion won).
The Korean business media reported that it is unlikely that all of the shares sold would go to Kakao, as this would take Kakao beyond the 35% required in its offer. Excess shares may have to be sold through the stock market.
A three-way deal struck before Hybe’s public ouster gave Kakao management control of SM. At the same time, however, Hybe secured an agreement that SM would partner with Hybe’s strong online fan business.
Kakao emphasized its status as a K-pop talent powerhouse on Thursday, when Kakao Entertainment America announces deal with Columbia Records to co-manage K-pop girl group IVE. Kakao Entertainment is already the owner of South Korea’s leading music streaming company, Melon.
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