The Korea Herald

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Koramco’s REIT to invest in 187 gas stations

By Jie Ye-eun

Published : July 27, 2020 - 15:57

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Koramco REITs Management & Trust managing director of REITs business Yun Jang-ho speaks at a briefing held in Seoul on Monday. (Jie Ye-eun/The Korea Herald) Koramco REITs Management & Trust managing director of REITs business Yun Jang-ho speaks at a briefing held in Seoul on Monday. (Jie Ye-eun/The Korea Herald)

South Korean firm Koramco REITs Management & Trust said Monday it plans to raise 106.6 billion won ($89.04 million) from retail investors for its market debut on the nation’s main bourse Kospi next month.

Koramco Energy Plus REIT is designed to directly invest in the 187 gas station sites, including the land, buildings, tanks and pipelines. Spanning an area 316,621 square meters, the land and buildings were valued at nearly 1.13 trillion won as of May 31 this year, Koramco REITs Managing Director Yun Jang-ho said in a press briefing.

“The REIT is packaged with Hyundai Oilbank’s gas stations that were acquired by SK Networks. It is the first REIT initial public offering for gas station sites in the Asian market,” Yun said. “With the superior leaseholders (Hyundai Oilbank and SK Networks) contracted for over 10 years, the REIT is expected to strike some 6.2 percent annual dividend yield for investors each year.”

Fast-food chains such as McDonald’s Korea and Burger King are also current leaseholders, but the REIT is expected to extend its assets by expanding business by operating a mobility retail platform. It is planning on attracting more superior leaseholders that have drive-thru and contactless services, according to Koramco.

Prior to the IPO, Koramco raised 241.5 billion won via pre-IPO proceeds. It plans to list the REIT’s 21.32 million new common shares, each priced at 5,000 won. The listing schedule will be determined after an IPO that is set to wrap up on Aug. 7. NH Investment & Securities will underwrite the deal.

“Gas station sites are high-valued assets overseas. Just like the US’ Getty Realty and Australia’s Viva Energy REIT, we’re hoping that investors and the market recognize our REIT’s (Koramco Energy Plus REIT) value. As Asia’s first (REIT IPO), we’ll reward our investors with a strong performance in the market.”

By Jie Ye-eun (yeeun@heraldcorp.com)