Ropes & Gray LLP’s M&A team brings dedicated specialists with full deal execution capabilities and a profound understanding of the Korean market, establishing a strong track record in high-end inbound and outbound transactions. With particular expertise in private equity, technology, and life sciences, the team is led by Jaewoo Lee, known for his skill in market-shaping corporate and M&A transactions. Keun Shin advises private equity funds, corporations, and financial investors on complex cross-border M&A and joint ventures. Ethan Kim has extensive experience in cross-border M&A and corporate transactions, particularly from the US.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Best private equity practice in Korea among foreign law firms in Korea led by top M&A partner Jaewoo Lee.’
‘Jaewoo Lee is an excellent lawyer with the smarts and commercial sense. Liked by clients and colleagues alike.’
‘The Corporate and M&A practice group of Ropes & Gray LLP is particularly strong in their M&A and private equity transactions and has great teamwork, insight into the latest trends for the relevant transactions and generally high-quality work product and work ethic.’
‘Jae Woo Lee is an M&A specialist of outstanding expertise and quality. He is always available and has a unique analytical mind.’
Key clients
- Bain Capital Private Equity
- Bain Capital Special Situations
- E-mart
- KKR
- Korea Investment Corporation
- Mirae Asset Capital
- Naver Corporation
- TPG
Work highlights
- Represented Bain Capital Special Situations in its subscription of bonds with warrants in Toss Payments.
- Representing Bain Capital Special Situations in its sale of ST Unitas to MegaStudy Co., Ltd.
- Representing TPG regarding its minority investments in Kakao Mobility, following representation in its initial investment in Kakao Mobility in 2017 (which Ropes & Gray’s Korea team also advised on).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Keun Shin
Practice head
Jaewoo Lee
Other key lawyers
Keun Shin; Ethan Kim