Tencent Holdings is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring South Korean gaming company Nexon. Sources indicate that Tencent has approached the family of the late Nexon founder, Kim Jung-ju, to discuss a potential acquisition. Kim's family, who are evaluating various options with advisors, holds a significant stake in Nexon through the family investment firm NXC Corp. As of June 30, NXC Corp and its subsidiary NXMH BV own 44.4% of Nexon.
Kim's wife and daughter control approximately 67.6% of NXC. It remains uncertain whether NXC is interested in selling its shares in Nexon, and the outcome of Tencent's acquisition attempt is also unknown. The structure of any potential deal has not been finalized. Representatives from Tencent, Nexon, and NXC have declined to comment on the matter.
Nexon, known for popular role-playing games such as "MapleStory," was founded in 1994 in South Korea and went public in Japan in 2011. This year, Nexon's stock price has risen over 10% on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with a market capitalization of approximately $15 billion.
