Core Viewpoint - Global New Materials International has increased its stake in CQV to 50.75%, achieving absolute control over the company, which is the largest pearlescent pigment manufacturer in South Korea [1][2] Group 1: Company Developments - Global New Materials International and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhixing, have acquired a total of 779,100 shares of CQV from late September to early October [1] - Since acquiring 42.45% of CQV in 2023, the company has made multiple increases in its holdings [1] - CQV's revenue for the fiscal year 2024 reached 60.15 billion KRW, a year-on-year increase of 17.8%, while net profit surged to 9.27 billion KRW, reflecting a significant growth of 171.3% [1] Group 2: Market Position and Growth - CQV produces over 990 types of pearlescent pigments, with a strong presence in high-end markets such as automotive and cosmetics [1] - The global market for pearlescent materials is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in high-end applications [1] - Global New Materials International has achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.2% in revenue over the past five years [2] - In the first half of 2025, the company reported revenue of 912 million CNY, a year-on-year increase of 17.7%, and a non-net profit of 260 million CNY, reflecting a growth of 54.4% [2] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Global New Materials International is supporting CQV's development in the Chinese market, where CQV has engaged with leading automotive manufacturers and new energy vehicle companies [2] - The introduction of CQV's high-end products is expected to enhance the average selling price of Global New Materials International's products [2]

Group 1 - Global New Materials International Holdings Limited (GNMI) has completed the acquisition of Merck's Surface Solutions business for €665 million (approximately HKD 5.586 billion) [1] - The acquisition will enhance GNMI's geographic coverage and sales pipeline, with Surface Solutions continuing to operate under the Susonity brand [1] - Production facilities in Germany, Japan, and the United States will serve as regional centers for the expanded business [1] Group 2 - The acquisition allows GNMI to integrate high-performance materials and solutions in cosmetics and industrial applications into its product portfolio, accelerating penetration into key high-end markets, particularly in the automotive and cosmetics sectors [1] - GNMI's chairman stated that this strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in the company's global expansion and transformation from a leading pigment manufacturer to a comprehensive surface solutions provider [1] - Approximately 1,100 employees, including over 600 in Germany, have transitioned to GNMI, with job security guaranteed until 2032 for the German workforce [1] Group 3 - GNMI, established in 2011 and headquartered in Guangxi, China, is a pearlescent pigment manufacturer listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with a projected consolidated net income of RMB 4.776 billion (approximately €615 million) for 2024 [2] - The company employs around 2,000 staff and has production bases in China, South Korea, Germany, Japan, and the United States, offering a range of solutions under brands like Chesir, CQV, and Susonity [2] - Merck, a leading technology company with approximately 63,000 employees, reported sales of €21.2 billion in 2024 across 65 countries [2]