Korea Zinc Co. shares jumped to a record on speculation private equity firm MBK Partners will raise its offer to gain control of the world’s biggest refiner of the metal.

Private equity firm denies plan to sell world’s largest zinc smelter to ChinaPrivate equity firm MBK Partners, which joined hands with Young Poong in a series of disputes over Korea Zinc’s management rights,

Seoul-based private equity house MBK Partners said Thursday it hopes Korea Zinc will be acquired by a Korean conglomerate, not a Chinese one, if its buyout attempt of the world’s biggest zinc refiner turns out to be a successful venture.

Private equity firm MBK Partners on Thursday defended a tender offer for Korea Zinc, saying that it is not a hostile takeover bid for the world's largest zinc smelter.

Private equity firm MBK Partners on Thursday criticized Korea Zinc Inc. for allegedly investing in distressed firms and the deteriorating financial health of the world's largest zinc smelter, while expressing confidence that its tender offer to buy a stake in Korea Zinc will not fail.