The latest bond issuing by the former company is widely interpreted as a move to prepare itself before selling a controlling stake, as well as to procure funds for selling the biosimilar "Remsima," the rheumatoid arthritis drug recently developed by its sister company.

 

Taking into account of the 180-billion-won bonds when all of these are converted into stocks, the outstanding shares of Celltrion Healthcare will rise 15 percent. Based on this, the total value of the company was estimated at 1.2 trillion won. In April, Celltrion had announced that it would sell a controlling stake in itself. Afterward, however, it said it may dispose of Celltrion Healthcare first as potential buyers are showing keen interest in acquiring the company possessing the rights to sell Remsima.