Every week, in collaboration with LISTING, an M&A matching platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we report on newly listed assets and acquisition demand in the domestic M&A market. By examining the background of deals and market trends, we provide practical market information to companies and investors considering M&A. [Editor’s Note]

[E-Daily Marketin Reporter Song Seung-Hyeon ] An industrial equipment manufacturer that has supplied equipment to specialized customers for over 10 years and a medical and healthcare company with annual sales in the 10 billion won range have been listed for sale one after another in the domestic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market. An IT and content platform company and a strategic investor in the foodservice and food sectors have each formalized their acquisition intentions, aiming to secure content IP and expand their restaurant franchise portfolios through bolt-on acquisitions, respectively. This past week saw a common trend on both the supply and demand sides of the market: a priority on stable profitability and synergies with existing businesses.

According to the M&A matching platform LISTING on the 25th, Company A, an industrial equipment manufacturer with annual sales in the 5 billion won range, is seeking a buyer. Company A has been supplying core equipment to specialized customers for over 10 years and is regarded as having a stable order base due to the nature of its clientele, where once a supplier is selected, it is difficult to switch. The company has an in-house organization capable of handling everything from design to production and quality verification, and is currently expanding its core technologies into the infrastructure and automation sectors. As a result, it is classified as an acquisition target that can add a growth story to the stability of its existing business. From the acquirer’s perspective, another attractive factor is that the selling party has set a wide range for the asking price, leaving ample room for negotiation.

Another asset up for sale is Company B, a medical and healthcare firm with annual revenue in the 10 billion won range. It has maintained a trend of operating profit and has recently attracted significant market attention, with multiple potential acquirers requesting due diligence in quick succession. The scarcity of assets with a proven revenue base amid structural growth trends—such as an aging population and expanding healthcare demand—is cited as the reason for this interest. Analysts suggest that this company is worth considering for both acquirers seeking a foothold in the healthcare market and strategic investors looking for bolt-on acquisitions.

Acquisition demand is also taking shape. IT and content platform company C is considering the acquisition of a company that owns content IP with a budget of over 20 billion won. Since the company is keeping its options open regarding transaction structures—ranging from a controlling stake acquisition to minority investments and fund contributions—it is expected to be a viable option for content companies that require flexibility in their sale methods.

Company D, a strategic investor in the foodservice and food sectors, is also pursuing the acquisition of a restaurant franchise with a budget of around 20 billion won. Notably, it has set specific financial criteria: annual operating profit of at least 500 million won and a price-to-earnings multiple of around 5x. While prioritizing the meat-based restaurant sector, the company plans to impose few restrictions on other franchise sectors. This is interpreted as a strategy to expand its portfolio through bolt-on acquisitions of restaurant brands with proven revenue models.

Industry observers expect this two-way market revitalization—driven by both supply and demand—to continue for the time being. A key feature of the recent market is that listings where sellers propose realistic price ranges tend to attract initial interest from potential buyers more quickly, while an increasing number of acquirers are clearly stating their criteria for operating profit and price-to-earnings multiples in advance.

A Listing representative stated, “Since matching efficiency increases as terms become more specific, this trend is likely to continue for the time being.”

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