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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] MBK Partners has appointed an additional U.S. lobbyist to address potential scrutiny from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), as its acquisition push for Korea Zinc continues.
According to industry sources on May 7, MBK’s Tokyo office retained The McKeon Group, a Virginia-based lobbying firm with strong expertise in defense and national security. This follows MBK’s earlier engagement of global law firm Squire Patton Boggs in February through its acquisition vehicle.
Regulatory filings state that the latest lobbying effort is aimed at “CFIUS-related matters,” raising the possibility that the Korea Zinc deal could come under U.S. national security review, particularly in connection with the company’s large-scale smelter project in Tennessee.
Market observers have pointed to the potential for heightened scrutiny given the strategic importance of critical minerals and supply chains. However, MBK emphasized that it has previously cleared CFIUS review in other transactions and reaffirmed its status as an independent general partner.
The firm also pushed back against concerns over Chinese capital involvement, stating that its investment structure does not allow external influence over decision-making.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
