Baker McKenzie & KL Partners Joint Venture Law Firm’s capabilities have expanded through a November 2023 joint venture with Korean law firm KL Partners, enhancing support for Korean corporate clients in cross-border transactions. Trusted by top domestic and international companies for M&A, investments, and regulatory matters, the corporate and M&A team is co-led by Hong Kong-based Won Lee, experienced in cross-border M&A and energy projects, and Seoul-based Seong Hoon (Sean) Yi, known for high-profile Korean M&A. Jae-Hyon Ahn frequently advises financial institutions, while Albert Chung focuses on cross-border M&A in manufacturing, technology, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team's advantage is that it is a joint venture law firm established in Korea and can advise on both Korean and foreign law, meaning that it can advise on both outbound and inbound M&A. In particular, I would like to point out that the team is not only proficient in general M&A, but also in private equity transactions. I would also like to emphasise that their global network allows for immediate foreign law collaboration.’
‘I always work with Seong Hoon Yi has expertise in all types of M&A, including M&A of manufacturing companies, M&A of financial institutions, M&A of listed companies, and M&A of private equity funds, and I am confident that he is better than other lawyers because he is able to think commercially as well as legally.’
Key clients
- Hyundai Motor Company
- Smart Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Dongkang Holdings Co., Ltd.
- CQV Co., Ltd.
- Kumho Busline Co., Ltd.
- Enovix Corporation
- Enstar LLC
- SK Telecom
- DS Asset Management Co., Ltd.
- Genesis Private Equity
Work highlights
- Represented Hyundai Motor Company on its formation of a joint venture with the Public Investment Fund, a Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, to establish a USD 500 million smart automotive assembly and manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia. We were the lead counsel for HMC on all aspects of the transaction (including merger clearance), and also representing the joint venture to negotiate government incentives with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia.
- Represented Smart Holdings Co., Ltd. & Dongkang Holdings Co., Ltd. in connection with Montvert CC's sale of its golf club business.
- Represented Enovix Corporation in connection with the acquisition of Routejade Inc.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Won Lee; Seong Hoon (Sean) Yi
Other key lawyers
Jae-Hyon Ahn; Albert Chung; Ji Sun Hwang; Seonho Kim; Sunguk Kim