'National Geographic' The Nature Holdings to KOSDAQ... "Expecting Best Performance This Year"

Park Young-jun, CEO of The Nature Holdings, is introducing the company at an initial public offering (IPO) press conference held on the afternoon of the 6th at the Hanwha Financial Center in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] The Nature Holdings, known for its National Geographic bags, clothing, and carriers, is entering the KOSDAQ market this month.

The Nature Holdings held an initial public offering (IPO) press conference on the 6th at the Hanwha Financial Center in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo, Seoul.

The Nature Holdings is a brand-specialized company operating the National Geographic fashion business. Its portfolio includes various categories such as clothing, shoes, bags, and carriers.

Strategic positioning that accurately captures fashion trend changes is considered the core of the business. When traditional outdoor wear was in a stagnation period, The Nature Holdings captured lifestyle trends and launched National Geographic clothing. These products emphasized urban casual designs. Later, by popularizing items like the Cayman long padding and fleece zip-up, it established itself as a lifestyle brand targeting people in their teens to thirties.

The performance is positive. Through growth in various product lines centered on clothing, last year's sales reached 235.3 billion KRW. Since 2017, it has been increasing at an average annual rate of 84.4%. In the same year, operating profit reached a record high of 39.8 billion KRW. The first quarter results this year showed sales of 49.9 billion KRW and operating profit of 8.1 billion KRW, up 47.2% and 50% respectively compared to the same period last year. A representative of The Nature Holdings explained, "Considering that fashion businesses generally perform much better in the second half of the year than in the first half, it is expected that this year will break the record for the highest performance ever."

The Nature Holdings plans to expand its global market. After listing, it will actively expand the National Geographic overseas market from Hong Kong and Taiwan to the whole of Asia and Western countries. In Hong Kong, it opened its first store at K11 Musea in August last year and the second store at Sogo Department Store in March this year. In Taiwan, it operates eight local stores in partnership with 'Momentum Sports,' the largest fashion distributor in Taiwan.

It is also focusing on brand expansion and nurturing new brands. First, it is launching National Geographic Kids to develop it as a family brand. This year, it aims to open 27 specialized stores domestically. Next year, it plans to open exclusive agency stores, and in 2022, it will enter the global market. The new brand NFL reinterprets the American football league with a casual street sensibility. It plans to develop it as a post-brand following National Geographic in the global market.

Park Youngjun, CEO of The Nature Holdings, said, "With the belief that all answers lie in the field, we have been navigating the global fashion market and developing brand businesses that meet consumer needs. Now is the right time to expand global business, and we will realize rapid growth by leveraging the know-how of success in the domestic market."

The Nature Holdings' expected public offering price is 45,000 to 50,000 KRW. The number of shares to be offered is 1.2 million, and the expected amount to be raised is approximately 54 to 60 billion KRW. The funds raised will be invested in global business expansion, logistics warehouse expansion, and relocation to a new headquarters. Demand forecasting will take place on the 8th and 9th, subscription on the 15th and 16th, and it is scheduled to be listed on the KOSDAQ market at the end of this month. Korea Investment & Securities is the lead underwriter.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.