Kolmar Holdings Co Ltd: A Family Feud Sparks Market Excitement
In a dramatic turn of events, Kolmar Holdings Co Ltd, a prominent player in the personal care products sector, has seen its shares soar to record highs. The catalyst? A high-stakes legal battle within the founding family that has captured the attention of investors and analysts alike.
On June 18, 2025, Kolmar Holdings experienced its most significant single-day surge, with shares jumping as much as 25%. This unprecedented rise followed the announcement that Chairman Yoon Dong-Han had filed a lawsuit against his eldest son, Yoon Sang-Hyun, who is also the CEO of the company. The lawsuit seeks the return of 2.3 million shares that were gifted to Yoon Sang-Hyun in 2019, sparking intense speculation about the company’s future direction and ownership.
The legal dispute is not just a family matter but a reflection of broader issues facing many large Korean family-run conglomerates. Questions about corporate governance and family succession are at the forefront, as the founder’s children vie for control over the company’s assets. This internal conflict has particularly intensified around BNH, a subsidiary specializing in health supplements, which is led by Yoon Dong-Han’s daughter, Yoon Yea-won. Meanwhile, Yoon Sang-Hyun controls Kolmar Korea Co, the group’s crown jewel, known for manufacturing cosmetics for global giants like L’Oreal SA and Amorepacific Corp.
Independent analyst Douglas Kim highlighted the potential implications of this feud, suggesting that even without the father reclaiming his shares, there could be a merger and acquisition (M&A) battle for Kolmar Holdings. This possibility adds another layer of intrigue and uncertainty for investors.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the market remains watchful. Kolmar Holdings, listed on the Korea Exchange Stock Market, has a market capitalization of 436.93 billion KRW, with a close price of 12,270 KRW as of June 16, 2025. The company’s 52-week high was 13,420 KRW, reached on May 29, 2025, while its low was 6,180 KRW on December 8, 2024. With a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.93, the company’s financial health remains a key focus for stakeholders.
This family feud has not only impacted Kolmar Holdings’ stock performance but also brought to light the challenges of managing family-run businesses in the modern corporate landscape. As the situation develops, investors and analysts will be keenly observing how this internal conflict might shape the future of one of Korea’s leading personal care product companies.