Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: MORN), a leading provider of independent investment research, has increased its ownership in Morningstar Korea Co., Ltd., located in Seoul, Korea. Morningstar previously held a 40 percent interest in the company and now owns approximately 80 percent of the company. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In September 2009, Morningstar acquired an ownership interest of approximately 20 percent from Seong Ryong, Ji, a private investor, who continues to own approximately 20 percent of the company. In early October, Morningstar acquired an ownership interest of approximately 20 percent from SBI Korea Holdings Co., Ltd. Jason Hee-Yuk Yoon will continue to serve as chief executive officer of Morningstar Korea.

Bevin Desmond, president of Morningstar’s international division, said, “We’ve been providing investment data and information to the Korean market for nearly 10 years as a minority owner in Morningstar Korea. As a majority owner in the company, we’ll be able to expand the range of services we can offer investors in Korea.”

Morningstar Korea develops, markets, and sells products and services to assist in the analysis of financial portfolios and provides financial information and services for investments in South Korea. The company also offers a local Web site for individual investors at www.morningstar.co.kr, and consulting and advisory services through its subsidiary, Morningstar Associates Korea.