HPO Acquires Swiss Micro Asia Strategic Partner... "Expanding Premium Brand"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] HPIO, the premium health functional food brand 'Denps,' announced on the 29th that it has acquired a 65% stake in 'GeoInfoTechInnovation,' the Asian strategic partner of Swiss 'Micro Mobility Systems (Micro),' and incorporated it as a subsidiary. The acquisition amount is approximately 15.2 billion KRW.

'GeoInfoTechInnovation,' acquired by HPIO, is an Asian strategic partner conducting business in Korea and Japan together with Micro. In Japan, they have established a JV with Micro, building a strong collaborative relationship. Sales are expected to grow from 19.5 billion KRW last year to the mid-20 billion KRW range this year, and as a premium brand, it secures a high operating profit margin.

HPIO has consistently expressed plans to expand high value-added businesses by finding new premium brands that can provide the best value in people's daily lives beyond Denps' health functional food business.

While the pet food brand 'Copenhagen Recipe,' scheduled to launch in January next year, is a premium brand prepared through collaboration with a Danish subsidiary, the company explained that this acquisition internalizes a premium brand already well known to consumers.

An HPIO official said, "Recently, HPIO's 'Hi&GoGo Milk Powder' and Switzerland's 'Micro' kickboard were introduced together as top 3 premium brand products in the European infant and child sector on a local Chinese broadcast," adding, "For Asian consumers who prioritize quality and safety, HPIO and Micro will create synergy as European premium brands and demonstrate various collaboration models in the future."

He continued, "In Korea as well, through strategic collaborations with premium brands owned by HPIO, we will build various cooperative relationships and grow the brands," adding, "We will expand the business through new premium brands and create a system where the company continuously grows through synergy among businesses."