With the distribution axis moving from offline to online, the e-commerce market is fluctuating.
On the 11th (local time), Coupang ended a splendid debut with the NYSE closing at $49.52, a 40.7% increase from the final public offering price of $35. Accordingly, domestic e-commerce companies are expected to be re-evaluated. In the industry, it is expected that Coupang and anti-Coupang will further solidify as Coupang makes aggressive investments with the funds raised through the listing.
Lee Ji-young, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, said, “Coupang’s massive investment will accelerate the innovation of the domestic e-commerce industry and greatly grow the market.” It will spark competition with the market.”
In this situation, Naver and E-Mart will form an alliance with an exchange of shares to strengthen online shopping. According to the investment banking (IB) industry and the distribution industry, Naver and E-Mart plan to sign a stake exchange agreement worth KRW 250 billion. The two companies have expressed their position that no specific decisions have been made yet, and that various strategic plans are being reviewed. However, the industry expects to have reached an agreement on a large scale. Earlier, in January, the meeting between Naver Global Investment Manager Lee Hae-jin (GIO) and Jung Yong-jin, vice chairman of Shinsegae Group, is expected to come out as a result of the agreement.
As E-Mart joins Naver’s hand, attention is also drawn to the candidates for the sale of eBay Korea. EBay Korea, which is currently on the market, is the largest open market company in Korea, and is the only one to make a continuous surplus. Last year, eBay Korea’s transaction amount was estimated at more than 20 trillion won, and the number of subscribers to’Smile Club’, a paid membership system, reached 3 million, showing a thick loyal customer base. The acquisition of eBay Korea is drawing attention from the industry in that it can be ranked second in the industry at once.
The ransom price of eBay Korea is expected to be over 5 trillion won, and it is known that Kakao, Shinsegae Group, Lotte Group, and MBK Partners, a private equity fund holding Homeplus, are interested before the acquisition. The preliminary bidding for the sale of eBay Korea will be held on the 16th.
An industry official said, “Coupang’s aggressive investment will further accelerate the market restructuring, leading to the formation of large squadrons by uniting competitors.” I think I will enjoy it,” he said.
Reporter Yeon Hee-jin, Global Economics [email protected]