Corporate/M&A: International Firms | Asia-Pacific

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton fields a leading corporate team with strong on-the-ground capabilities, handling a diverse range of M&A transactions, with particular strength in the representation of significant Korean clients in cross-border acquisitions and investments. It has a large global network of lawyers based across Asia and Europe, and is renowned for its work supporting Korean clients in high-profile transactions. It ably advises on cases involving a number of jurisdictions, including Singapore, Italy and Japan. The team maintains close working relationships with leading Korean law firms and is increasingly active working for PE clients, with key clients including Blackstone Group, MBK Partners and Sequoia Capital.

Ropes & Gray's corporate department maintains an active outbound practice, well versed in assisting domestic clients with strategic investments abroad. It frequently advises Korean corporates and global private equity firms. The firm caters to an impressive client base including in the private equity, asset management, technology and life sciences sectors. Its on-the-ground capabilities are augmented by support from the firm's wider network. Key clients include Bain Capital, TPG, Naver and E-mart.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom possesses a highly regarded Seoul-based corporate team with a strong track record of advising Korean clients on investments into the USA. It has regular involvement in significant M&A transactions, as well as joint ventures and PE investments both domestically and abroad. Skadden's diverse client roster includes major semiconductor and electronics corporations, as well as financial institutions.

The established, on-the-ground corporate team at Baker McKenzie is well equipped to advise clients on complex cross-border transactions and overseas investments. It offers expertise across a broad range of sectors, including the energy, natural resources and telecommunications industries. It is also able to leverage its extensive global network to assist Korean clients with investments in a large number of overseas jurisdictions, including the USA and Vietnam.

DLA Piper's active corporate department is known for its experience in cross-border transactions and private equity investments. Its team is made up of multilingual staff with significant experience working in Korea. It serves clients in various sectors including mining, chemicals and aviation.

The corporate team at Latham & Watkins is active on a range of transactions for Korean and international clients including joint ventures, investments and acquisitions. It is notable for its deft handling of multi-jurisdictional matters involving China, the USA and the UK. Its impressive client roster features financial services and automotive entities as well as manufacturing companies. Key clients include Endeavor Group Holdings, MBK Partners and LG Chem.

Paul Hastings has a highly regarded corporate group with significant market share, receiving strong praise for its work on large corporate transactions. It enjoys longstanding relationships with a number of Korean conglomerates and regularly acts as counsel to the Samsung Group, in addition to other key clients such as SD Biosensor and Hanwha Systems. It is particularly experienced in working with large electronics and manufacturing companies, leveraging its global footprint to advise on outbound M&A deals. The firm is also well equipped to handle matters where CFIUS is implicated.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has a Hong Kong-based corporate team that is active on cross-border transactions and private equity investments. It regularly advises international and Korean clients on sales and acquisitions. Its client base includes global private equity firms and institutional investors, as well as large Korean companies across various industries. Key clients include Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and SK.

White & Case houses a respected corporate team that is frequently sought out by Korean conglomerates for cross-border acquisitions and by foreign private equity firms looking to invest in the Korean market. It is regularly instructed on deals in the healthcare, entertainment and power industries. Key clients include Zinus, GLAAM and Lotte Corporation.