Firm at a glance
MBK Partners is a platform private equity firm founded in 2005 with offices in Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, per its own website [S1][S2]. The firm reported approximately $33 billion in capital under management as of January 2025 [S1].
What they buy
Based on publicly disclosed portfolio holdings, MBK Partners has acquired businesses across telecom and media, financial services, consumer and retail, and healthcare sectors in Northeast Asia [S3]. The firm’s portfolio includes companies ranging from industrial gases and logistics providers to golf course operators and restaurant brands [S3]. Observed investments span Japan, South Korea, and China, reflecting the firm’s regional focus across its five office locations [S2][S3].
Portfolio
MBK Partners’ publicly disclosed portfolio includes the following companies [S3]:
**Consumer and Retail**
Coway (acquired January 2013), Dining Brands Group (acquired December 2018), Accordia Next Golf (acquired February 2017)
**Telecom and Media**
China Network Systems (acquired July 2007), D’Live (acquired March 2008), D’Live Gangnam (acquired March 2011), Connect Wave (acquired March 2022)
**Financial Services**
CAR (acquired December 2020), CGI (acquired December 2019)
**Industrial and Logistics**
Apex Logistics (acquired June 2015), Daesung Industrial Gases (acquired April 2017), Beijing Bowei (acquired October 2005)
Recent activity (last 24 months)
* **July 2024**: Acquired Alinamin, a Japan-based drugmaker [S4]
* **April 2024**: Acquired Geoyoung [S4]
How this firm fits a seller
MBK Partners operates as a regional platform investor across Northeast Asia, with transaction history suggesting capacity for both mid-market and large-cap deals given its $33 billion in assets under management [S1]. The firm’s multi-office presence across five cities indicates on-the-ground operational capabilities in Japan, South Korea, and Greater China [S2]. For owner-operators in consumer, healthcare, telecom, or industrial sectors with Asia-Pacific operations or expansion ambitions, the firm’s regional footprint and two recent 2024 acquisitions suggest active deployment [S4].
Sources
[S1] https://www.mbkpartners.com (as of 2025-01-10)
[S2] https://www.mbkpartners.com/strategy/ (as of 2025-01-10)
[S3] https://www.mbkpartners.com/category/portfolio/ (as of 2025-01-10)
[S4] https://www.mbkpartners.com/category/news/ (as of 2025-01-10)
Frequently asked questions
Does MBK Partners buy healthcare businesses?
Yes, healthcare appears among the firm’s observed sectors, and MBK Partners acquired Alinamin, a Japan-based drugmaker, in July 2024 [S4]. The firm’s portfolio history demonstrates investment activity across consumer, industrial, telecom, and healthcare verticals in Northeast Asia [S3].
What companies has MBK Partners acquired recently?
MBK Partners acquired Alinamin, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, in July 2024 and Geoyoung in April 2024, per the firm’s news disclosures [S4]. Earlier portfolio additions include Connect Wave in March 2022 and CAR in December 2020 [S3].
Where is MBK Partners based and how big is the firm?
MBK Partners maintains offices in Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing [S2]. The firm reported approximately $33 billion in capital under management as of January 2025 [S1].
Is MBK Partners still actively acquiring?
Yes, MBK Partners completed two acquisitions in 2024, with the most recent transaction occurring in July 2024 [S4]. This activity suggests the firm remains in active deployment mode as of mid-2024.
This profile is maintained by CT Acquisitions as an independent third-party reference. CT Acquisitions is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a representative of the firm profiled. All facts sourced from publicly available materials as of the dates cited.