This article was displayed on the ChosunBiz MoneyMove (MM) site at 2:14 p.m. on May 19, 2026.
As domestic private equity firm KL&Partners has begun in earnest the process to sell Mom's Touch, it is said to be focusing on a competitive auction targeting overseas strategic investors (SI), including those in Japan, and financial investors (FI). In fact, a U.K.-based private equity firm recently showed serious interest, according to findings. The seller's expected valuation is in the 1 trillion won range.
According to the investment banking (IB) industry on the 19th, KL&Partners, the major shareholder of Mom's Touch, is proceeding with steps to select a sell-side advisor. It has distributed a request for proposal (RFP) and plans to soon select an advisor and send a teaser letter to potential buyers.
KL&Partners is said to be pushing the sale with overseas SIs and FIs as its main targets. The sell-side advisor is also likely to be chosen from among global IBs. As a U.K.-based PE recently expressed interest and even discussed terms, the sell-side views interest from overseas buyers as confirmed to a certain degree and is expected to prioritize creating competition by broadening the global candidate pool rather than negotiating with a single bidder.
Industry insiders especially see Japanese SIs as potential acquirers. Japan is the country where Mom's Touch has been expanding most aggressively in recent years. On the 1st store in Shibuya, Japan in 2024, it opened its first overseas directly operated store in Shibuya, and the store is said to have recently passed the break-even point (BEP). Including the Shibuya store, five locations are currently operating in Japan.
According to the industry, KL&Partners is said to be expecting a valuation in the trillions of won. However, with Korea's dining-out sector affected by rising costs, labor burdens, and a slowdown in consumer spending, some say it is uncertain whether buyers will accept the 1 trillion won-level price the seller wants. An IB industry official said, "The key is how broadly they can bring in overseas candidates after selecting the advisor."
Mom's Touch is one of Korea's leading burger franchises. It is evaluated as a dining platform with a store network and brand recognition. KL&Partners acquired 56.8% equity in 2019 for 193.8 billion won. After a tender offer in 2022, it raised its stake to 97.94%, voluntarily delisted the company, and currently holds 100% equity through the special purpose company (SPC) "Korea F&B Holdings."