By Lee Min-hyung
Logo of Kakao Taxi, a taxi ride-hailing app operated by Kakao MobilityCarlyle Group is set to invest $300 million (335 billion won) in Kakao Mobility s pre-initial public offering (IPO) capital expansion. Both sides are expected to sign a final deal no later than the end of February.
According to the investment industry, the U.S.-based private equity firm (PEF) was recently accepted as a major investor for the Kakao affiliate s capital increase plan. Under the deal, Carlyle is expected to secure a 10 percent stake in the technology services firm.
Two other PEFs are known to have taken part in the bidding for Kakao Mobility s pre-IPO fundraising, prior to Carlyle being named. UBS, a U.S.-based investment bank, is advisor for the deal.