update 2-mbk considers sale of controlling stake in s.korea's coway - air purifier sale

* MBK is considering selling £ 30, Coway said.
9 pct shares of MBK shares * the market price is $2, twice the purchase price sent to possible buyers on Mondaysource (
Review Update for analyst Coway)
Se Young Lee, Seoul, August 10 (Reuters)-
Private equity fund MBK Partners is considering selling its controlling stake in South Korea's water purifier maker Coway Ltd, a deal that could double the fund's initial investment to a market value of $2 billion.
In a regulatory document, Coway said MBK was considering a variety of strategic options, including the sale of shares and the hiring of Goldman Sachs as its consultant.
MBK declined to comment.
Late last week, local media reported that MBK plans to unload 30 of its vehicles.
A 9% stake in Coway's stock fell.
Closed 7% on Monday, the lowest point in more than three weeks.
Even after the stock fell, MBK's stake in the company was worth about £ 2. 3 trillion won ($1. 98 billion)
The amount agreed to be paid by the fund almost doubled in 2012.
Analysts say Coway's ability to generate cash and sales growth from overseas markets makes it an attractive asset.
It is unclear which companies are likely to bid for the stake, although Korean enterprise groups such as Lotte Group and GS Group have been operating for 2012 of the sales process.
A person directly familiar with the matter told Reuters that Goldman Sachs sent a letter to potential buyers on Monday to measure interest in the stake, but did not state which company received these
Nick Kim, an analyst at KTB Securities, said: "Coway reported steady gains in a consistent manner through its leasing business and continued to grow.
Coway also operates in China, Malaysia and the United States, leasing water and air purifiers, bidet and similar products to consumers through multiple channels
Annual service contract.
The company reported a record quarterly operating profit of 112 billion won in April. June quarter. ($1 = 1,162. 0500 won)(
Reports from Se Young Lee;
Editor of Edwina Gibbs and Edmund Klamann)