Samsung SDS shares were strong early on the 15th. Buying is seen as piling in on news that the company is pursuing a strategic collaboration with global private equity firm KKR and seeking to raise 1.22 trillion won in investment.
As of 9:29 a.m., Samsung SDS was trading at 173,600 won, up 22,100 won (14.59%) from the previous session.
Before the regular session opened, Samsung SDS said it had signed a strategic partnership with KKR to support continued growth and enhance long-term corporate value.
A fund managed by KKR signed a definitive agreement to acquire 1.22 trillion won in convertible bonds newly issued by Samsung SDS as part of the strategic partnership. Based on the investment and existing resources, Samsung SDS plans to continue ramping up investment to build artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and strengthen competitiveness in its AI transformation (AX) business.
Lee June-hee, CEO of Samsung SDS, said, "We are very pleased to welcome KKR as a strategic investor as we continue to drive Samsung SDS's growth strategy," and added, "Through this strategic collaboration, we will actively review various growth opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), by leveraging KKR's capabilities built up in global capital markets."