In a statement, HSBC explained that the discussions were “ongoing and may or may not lead to a transaction. HSBC will make a further announcement if or when appropriate.”
HSBC added that it remains committed to the Korean market and continues to invest in developing its Korean global banking and markets and corporate banking businesses.
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, has assets of US$2,556bn at 31 December 2011 and around 7,200 offices in over 80 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, North and Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
In a separate announcement, HSBC Bank Middle East confirmed that it was “in discussions with a number of interested parties” regarding the possible sale of its operations in Pakistan. No potential buyer or buyers were named.
