Kakao Mobility has addressed speculation regarding its potential listing on the Nasdaq, stating it is currently in discussions with multiple potential investors and buyers about various options.
On May 13, Kakao Mobility responded to reports suggesting it is undergoing a re-audit in preparation for a U.S. initial public offering (IPO), clarifying that it is exploring a range of options beyond just an IPO or a one-time sale.
Earlier, Herald Economy reported that Kakao Mobility is conducting a three-year re-audit for 2023 to 2025 and had signed an external audit contract with Anjin Accounting Corporation in April. This led to interpretations in the market that the company is preparing for a Nasdaq listing.
In response, Kakao Mobility emphasized that the selection of the accounting firm is part of a process to evaluate various possibilities, stating, "To view this as a push for a specific IPO direction is an over-interpretation."
Industry analysts suggest that these discussions are linked to the exit strategy of Texas Pacific Group (TPG), a financial investor that has invested approximately 1 trillion won in Kakao Mobility since 2017.
With the IPO process delayed for an extended period, TPG is reportedly considering various exit strategies, including attracting new investors or selling shares, and discussions regarding transaction structures with overseas investors are also underway.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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