Homeplus, which is undergoing rehabilitation proceedings, requested a 200 billion won loan, saying the 100 billion won loan under review by Meritz Financial Group would be insufficient to complete the rehabilitation process.

On the 12th, Homeplus stated, “The emergency operating funds currently needed for Homeplus's rehabilitation and the normalization of operations amount to 200 billion won,” and added, “If only 100 billion won, which is half, is provided, we will be unable to finalize the ongoing store-closure process and it will also be difficult to resume product supply.”

Previously, Meritz, which had not responded to Homeplus's loan request, said the previous day that a loan would be possible within the 100 billion won range, corresponding to the amount of the joint guarantee by MBK Partners, Homeplus's largest shareholder.

Homeplus emphasized, “If 200 billion won in emergency operating funds is secured, it will be possible to improve store efficiency and normalize product supply, and furthermore to restore partners' trust, creating a basis for implementing the rehabilitation plan.”

It continued, “The company is doing all it can to normalize operations, closing 37 stores, and the labor union is giving up wages and enduring restructuring,” and said, “At this point, the remaining task is to secure 200 billion won in emergency operating funds that will enable Homeplus to survive.”

It then requested, “So that Homeplus can overcome the final hurdle of rehabilitation, we ask Meritz Financial Group to decide to provide 200 billion won in emergency operating funds.”

Currently, the deadline for the approval of Homeplus's rehabilitation plan is July 3, and even if it is extended once more, the rehabilitation proceedings must be completed before September 3.