[Edaily Marketin Song Seung-Hyeon Reporter] Artificial intelligence (AI) and low-code-based enterprise software companies, as well as D2C brands specializing in inner beauty and diet foods, have been listed for sale one after another in the domestic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market. There is also growing demand from strategic investors (SIs) seeking to acquire control of cosmetics and health functional food ODM manufacturers and K-Beauty brands.

According to the M&A matching platform LISTING on the 19th, Company A, a B2B software firm with annual revenue in the 9 to 10 billion won range, is seeking a buyer.

Company A supplies AI- and low-code-based business platforms to enterprise customers. By operating both on-premises solutions and cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), it has secured a stable cash flow based on recurring revenue. Its key strengths include a track record centered on major domestic corporations and public institutions, as well as experience in implementing solutions tailored to corporate business processes. Analysts predict the company is likely to attract attention as a ready-to-use plug-in asset for acquirers seeking to internalize IT capabilities or accelerate digital transformation.

Another asset up for sale is Company B, a D2C consumer goods brand that has grown primarily through inner beauty and diet products. It has established a customer acquisition model based on social media (SNS) and a sales structure centered on its own online store, and it also has a track record of entering major health and beauty retail channels. From the perspective of acquirers with existing distribution networks or companies capable of expanding into overseas markets, this asset is viewed as an opportunity to leverage the brand’s existing recognition and customer data to expand offline and global sales networks.

Acquisition demand is also taking shape. Company C has begun seeking ODM and OEM manufacturers in the cosmetics, health functional foods, and biotech sectors. It prefers profitable companies with annual sales of 2 to 8 billion won that have a simple ownership structure and possess the necessary basic licenses and manufacturing facilities. A notable feature is that it has proposed a post-acquisition growth strategy that combines biotech IP or brand strategies with existing technology and facilities.

Company D, which is considering acquiring a controlling stake in a cosmetics brand, has secured a budget in the 30 billion won range and has begun searching for potential targets. It prefers management buyout transactions—based on acquiring a 51% or higher stake—targeting brand-oriented companies that generate a certain level of operating profit. This demonstrates the continued strategic demand for K-Beauty brands with proven growth potential and profitability.

Industry observers expect this two-way market revitalization—driven by both supply and demand—to continue for the foreseeable future. Amid growing strategic acquisition demand focused on tangible assets—such as post-acquisition expansion potential, recurring revenue structures, distribution network synergies, and manufacturing licenses—a rise in cross-sector deals spanning software, consumer goods, and beauty manufacturing is also cited as a key feature of the recent market.

A Listing official stated, “In the recent M&A market, strategic acquisition demand aimed at creating synergies with existing businesses, securing technology and distribution networks, and entering new business areas is more prominent than simple financial investment,” adding, “An anonymous listing approach, which prioritizes the protection of corporate information, can help expand the reach of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and mid-market M&A sector.”

Detailed listing information and acquisition opportunities can be found on LISTING.