DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

Corporate/M&A

8 ranked lawyers

Band 1, Spotlight Table

South Korea

Global 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

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Ranked Lawyers

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What the team is known for

Bae, Kim & Lee houses a distinguished corporate team that is noted for representing major financial institutions and multinational companies in landmark M&A transactions, and frequently involved in large joint venture projects. Offers particular sector expertise in the technology and telecommunications industries. Proficient in handling private equity matters, regularly advising both domestic and foreign funds on various investments and divestments as well as regulatory issues. Regularly advises on deals involving China and acts on both inbound and outbound acquisitions in South and South-East Asia.

Foreign desks

Bae, Kim & Lee is a significant advisory presence on North Korea-related matters throughout recent years, working with leading companies, government ministries, non-profit foundations and export credit agencies on a range of issues arising from relations between North and South Korea. Has rich experience in direct investment and joint venture matters, with considerable expertise in issues arising from the closing of the Kaesong Industrial Complex. Has a South and North Korea economic cooperation task force team comprising North Korean legal specialists and industry experts with previous experience in government ministries. Its key clients include Hyundai ASAN, Busan Bank and the Korea Copyright Commission. Wook Yoo and Chan Ho Lee are key contacts for the desk.

Notable practitioners

Byoung Ki Lee is routinely sought after by a range of multinational companies. He has significant experience on domestic and cross-border transactions and joint ventures.

Chan Ho Lee advises companies, government ministries and non-profit organisations on inter-Korean economic exchanges and international trade negotiations. He is described by a client as one of the team's "experts in North Korea matters," with the ability to "provide outstanding results."

Dong Woo Seo retains a longstanding position in the corporate market. His experience covers private equity transactions and acquisitions including hostile takeovers.

Mok Hong Kim is active on a number of acquisitions and joint ventures for large Korean corporations. He is experienced acting on multibillion-dollar transactions. "His strength comes from how client-oriented he is," says an interviewee, who elaborates: "He tries to solve all the legal and structural issues the client may face."

Ri Bong Han has been active in the Korean M&A market for over two decades and has expertise advising private equity clients and major corporations. He is well known for his deft handling of high-profile transactions.

Sky Yang (Sih kyoung Yang) often acts for financial institutions in corporate mandates. He is also active on inbound and outbound PE transactions.

Sungjo Yun is well known for his advisory work on private equity matters. He regularly works for Korean and international clients.

Wook Yoo handles a range of instructions relating to South-North economic cooperation on behalf of government entities, banks and corporations. A client appreciates his "high understanding of the legal services we need" and "ability to communicate well with us."

Department Information

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Overview

BKL is a leading law firm in Korea for corporate and M&A transactions. It has represented clients in matters ranging from landmark M&A deals to investments in middle market business enterprises and startup companies. With its broad understanding of corporate transactions and extensive experience covering a range of industries and sectors, BKL is able to provide carefully tailored legal services and advice to each client and deliver high-quality and business-focused advice.

BKL has handled a wide range of transactions including mergers and acquisitions, investments, business transfers, divestures and spin-offs, and have extensive experience in all types of inbound/outbound transactions. The firm advises clients from the beginning of a transaction to the closing and post-closing integration of the transaction by guiding them through various issues, including regulatory matters, labor and employment matters, fair trade and tax.

BKL draws upon attorneys from different industry practice groups, including finance, energy, environmental, pharmaceutical, medical, IT and media, to effectively serve the clients who are situated in, or are looking to make investments in, the relevant industries. BKL has one of the most experienced teams of transactional lawyers among Korea’s top law firms who are geared to provide individualized services to clients and can advise and structure transactions in the most efficient and effective manner.