The Financial Times reported on May 26 that HSBC is considering measures to abandon the long - delayed takeover of the Korea Exchange Bank ( KEB ) if the Korean government does not approve the KEB sales contract between Lone Star and HSBC in a few weeks . The newspaper quoted an official who was familiar with HSBC ’ s internal situation , “ HSBC would likely look elsewhere if there is no progress . ” The paper also stressed that the U . K . visit by Korean government ’ s top officials , including Financial Service Committee ( FSC ) Chairman Jeon Gwang - woo , this week could aid in proving solutions to entangling the KEB skein . FT conveyed that FSC Chairman Jeon is expected to meet with the U . K . Chancellor Alistair Darling during the visit and added that the HSBC has been keeping a close eye on the government ’ s attitude for foreign investment since its induction in February . Meanwhile , HSBC and Lone Star had disclosed last April to extend the sales contract deadline by three months to the end of July . [ Dong - eun Lee / KHS ] [ ⓒ Maeil Business Newspaper & mk . co . kr , All rights reserved ]