In a week in which Shinhan has flexed its muscles and taken a stake in Good Morning Securities, Friday also saw the bank leak information that it was in talks to acquire Koram Bank and if successful, become Korea's second biggest bank after Kookmin.
The timing of the leak raises questions. Koram has refused to confirm talks - and with good reason since it is starting roadshows on Monday for a capital raising exercise via a GDR. With a growing asset base, this exercise is designed to bring Koram up to international standards and make it a more appealing takeover target.
Koram is controlled by private equity firms, Carlyle...
