IFC okays $20 mln to help GS25 expand convenience store system
International Finance Corporation (IFC) has approved a $20 million investment in the GS25 convenience store system in Vietnam to fuel the chain’s expansion over the next two years.
The investment is equal to VND460 billion, the World Bank’s investment arm said in a disclosure seen on Wednesday, adding that it is in quasi-equity.
Quasi-equity is a hybrid form of finance with characteristics of both debt and equity investments. It offers non-dilutive equity risk capital that is paid back based on company performance. Quasi-equity is also known as venture debt.
A GS25 store in Thu Duc city on HCMC’s outskirts. Photo courtesy of Mekoong.com
IFC said its review of the investment proposal was conducted in February and March 2022, including a review of environmental, health and safety and social information provided by GS25 Vietnam (a joint venture between Vietnam’s Son Kim Group and Korean firm GS Retail), and interviews with the senior management of Son Kim and GS25.
GS25 Vietnam is based on the GS25 convenience store concept from South Korea, which was brought to Vietnam by GS Retail and Son Kim Retail, part of Ho Chi Minh City-based conglomerate Son Kim Group.
The convenience store was launched in Vietnam in 2017, with almost 190 stores in HCMC and surrounding provinces by the end of 2022. The chain’s typical store formats include about 150 square meters of dine-in seating. It also sells fresh food, fresh groceries, ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and Korean-made products.
GS25 Vietnam is using a leased warehouse of 5,755 square meters in Thu Duc on HCMC’s outskirts from an integrated logistics services provider, CJ Korea Express Vietnam, including warehouse storage and operations, local transportation, and delivery services. The main items handled are grocery, beverage, living goods, snacks, and health and beauty products.
- Related News
- Read More
Vietnam’s agri major HAGL makes surprise return to property, saying land plot forgotten for 15 years
Vietnam’s agri major Hoang Anh Gia Lai JSC's (HAGL) return to real estate is an accident, after discovering a plot of land the company had “forgotten for 15 years” during its boom years, said chairman Doan Nguyen Duc.
Companies - Sun, October 19, 2025 | 10:02 am GMT+7
REE to set up 2 subsidiaries for wind projects in southern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City-based utility firm Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation (HoSE: REE) has decided to establish two wholly-owned subsidiaries to develop two wind power projects in Vinh Long province, expanding its renewable energy portfolio in southern Vietnam.
Energy - Sun, October 19, 2025 | 8:00 am GMT+7
Australian CEO detained, NSH Petro’s recovery hopes collapse
The recovery prospects of NSH Petro (PSH) have dimmed after its Australian CEO was detained on allegations of fraud involving false promises of billion-dollar financing that led to the misappropriation of nearly $4.9 million.
Companies - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 6:53 pm GMT+7
Maintaining market status upgrade a bigger challenge: official
Vietnam's stock market status will be upgraded by FTSE Russell from "frontier" to "secondary emerging" from September 21 next year, but continued reform is critical as the bigger challenge is to maintain the new classification, said a market watchdog official.
Finance - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 1:30 pm GMT+7
HCMC partners with Nasdaq to develop int’l financial center
The Finance Department of Vietnam’s southern metropolis Ho Chi Minh City has signed an MoU with the U.S.-based stock exchange Nasdaq on the development of an international financial center (IFC).
Top News - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 11:56 am GMT+7
Vingroup plans $325 mln issuance of international bonds
Vietnam's leading private conglomerate Vingroup (HoSE: VIC) has announced a board of directors resolution to issue $325 million worth of international bonds, with a five-year term and a yield of 5.5% per year.
Companies - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 10:26 am GMT+7
Vietnam raises personal income tax deductions by over 40%
The Standing Committee of Vietnam’s National Assembly, the country's legislature, on Friday approved a resolution on adjusting personal income tax (PIT) deductions, marking a significant increase of over 40% from current levels.
Economy - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 9:11 am GMT+7
EVN subsidiary spreads the spirit of solidarity, compassion
The employees of National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) came together in an inspiring display of unity and compassion in October, each donating one day’s salary to support and express solidarity with the people of Cuba - a nation that has long shared a special friendship with Vietnam.
Companies - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 9:00 am GMT+7
Property fever prompts tighter inspection in central Vietnam's economic hub Danang
Chairman of Danang city People’s Committee, Pham Duc An, has ordered a comprehensive inspection and audit of land valuation and auction activities to prevent and address market manipulation that could destabilize the local property market.
Real Estate - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 8:00 am GMT+7
Vietnam mulls opening door for private investment in small modular reactors
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has drafted a parliamentary resolution that, for the first time, would allow private companies to participate in the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
Energy - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 4:37 pm GMT+7
Kido seeks buyer for remaining 49% stake in frozen food affiliate
Kido Group (HoSE: KDC), a leading food company in Vietnam, has approved a plan to divest the firm's remaining 49% stake in its affiliate Kido Frozen Food JSC (Kido Foods).
Companies - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 4:25 pm GMT+7
Le Ngoc Quang appointed Danang city's Party chief
Le Ngoc Quang, a Party Central Committee member and Party chief of Quang Tri province, has been appointed Party chief of Danang for the 2025-2030 term - the highest position in the city, central Vietnam's economic hub.
Politics - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 4:17 pm GMT+7
T&T Group seeks to reshape north-central Vietnam’s urban landscape with major projects
Multi-sector conglomerate T&T Group is developing a model eco-urban complex in Ha Tinh province and plans to build a massive 236-hectare urban area in neighboring Nghe An, with an aim to reshape north-central Vietnam's urban landscape.
Investing - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 2:44 pm GMT+7
Toyota plans $359 mln plant expansion in northern Vietnam
Toyota Motor Vietnam (TMV) plans to invest about VND9.46 trillion ($359.2 million) in the first phase of its plant expansion project in Phu Tho province.
Investing - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 2:09 pm GMT+7
PVI Insurance sees 9-month profit before tax more than doubling
PVI Insurance has reaffirmed its position as the No. 1 non-life insurer in Vietnam, with total revenue increasing nearly 1.4 times in the first nine months of 2025 and pre-tax profit more than doubling year-on-year - surpassing its full-year targets for both revenue and profit.
Companies - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 9:08 am GMT+7
Vingroup to develop 4,600ha coastal urban project in northern Vietnam
A consortium of Vingroup (HoSE: VIC) and its real estate arm Vinhomes (HoSE: VHM) will develop a 4,600-hectare coastal urban complex in Ha An ward, Quang Ninh province, following local authorities’ approval of a zoning plan.
Real Estate - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 8:30 am GMT+7
