Shares of Hanmi Bank continued a three-day climb on Wednesday after an online newspaper reported that the bank could be acquired by Woori Finance Holdings Co.

MoneyToday, a Korean financial news Web site, cited an unnamed financial industry official as the source of the story. The site said Woori could partner with Leading Investment & Securities Co. to make the purchase.

Two days ago, Leading Investment announced it would get a 14.9 percent stake in Hanmi in exchange for $11 million in fresh capital for the bank.

In mid-morning trading, Hanmi’s stock was up 7 percent to $2.23 per share. Since closing Friday at $1.48, Hanmi shares have risen 51 percent.

Woori Finance has diversified operations in both retail and corporate banking. Based in Seoul, the company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Following the news of the acquisition, shares of Woori declined 98 cents, or 4 percent, to trade at $24.16.