Seoul has emerged as a dynamic hub for private equity firms, with powerhouses like MBK Partners, Affinity Equity Partners, and IMM Private Equity driving investment strategies across North Asia. These firms leverage Seoul’s robust financial infrastructure, deep industry expertise, and strategic geographic positioning to unlock value in diverse sectors. From technology to consumer goods, these private equity leaders are transforming businesses and creating substantial economic impact. Interested professionals can explore more about this exciting ecosystem by joining our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
MBK Partners
Investment Style: MBK Partners focuses on buyouts and growth equity investments in North Asia, primarily in Korea, Japan, and China. The firm aims to create value through strategic and operational improvements in its portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: MBK Partners’ portfolio includes companies such as ING Life Korea (insurance), Homeplus (retail), and Doosan Machine Tools (machinery).
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately $7 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Michael ByungJu Kim, Founder and Chairman: Kim leads MBK Partners’ strategic direction and investment activities, leveraging his extensive experience in private equity and finance.
- John H. Choe, Partner: Choe focuses on managing and executing major investments, bringing significant experience in private equity and investment banking.
Recent Exits:
- Godiva Japan to The Yildiz Holding
- Wemade Entertainment’s stake via IPO
Recent Acquisitions:
- Yuehai Feed Group, a leading aquafeed manufacturer in China.
- Woongjin Coway, a major water purifier and air purifier company.
Office Locations:
- Seoul (Headquarters): Seoul, South Korea
- Additional Offices: Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong
Website: www.mbkpartnerslp.com
Quote: “At MBK Partners, we believe in driving growth through focused investments and operational excellence. Our deep understanding of the Asian markets allows us to create significant value for our portfolio companies and investors.” – Michael ByungJu Kim, Founder and Chairman
Affinity Equity Partners
Investment Style: Affinity Equity Partners specializes in buyouts and growth capital investments in the Asia-Pacific region. The firm focuses on control-oriented investments in high-quality businesses with growth potential.
Portfolio Companies: Affinity’s portfolio includes companies such as Oriental Brewery (brewing), Primo Water Corporation (water solutions), and Velocity Frequent Flyer (loyalty programs).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 80
Assets Under Management: Approximately $14 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Sang Wook (Bill) Hong, Managing Partner: Hong oversees the firm’s investment strategy and operations, with extensive experience in private equity across Asia.
- David Lai, Partner: Lai contributes to the firm’s investment activities, particularly in the consumer and industrial sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Exit of Trimco Group via trade sale
- Exit of Scottish Pacific via IPO
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of TEG, a leading live entertainment and ticketing company in Australia and New Zealand.
- Investment in Burger King Korea.
Office Locations:
- Seoul: Seoul, South Korea
- Additional Offices: Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney
Website: www.affinityequity.com
Quote: “Our commitment is to build long-term value in partnership with our portfolio companies, leveraging our regional expertise and operational experience.” – Sang Wook (Bill) Hong, Managing Partner
IMM Private Equity
Investment Style: IMM Private Equity specializes in buyouts and growth equity investments, focusing on industries such as consumer goods, industrials, and financial services within Korea and the wider Asian region.
Portfolio Companies: IMM’s portfolio includes companies like Tailim Packaging (packaging solutions), Shinhan Financial Group (financial services), and Hollys F&B (food and beverage).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 40
Assets Under Management: Over $5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- John Yoo, CEO: Yoo leads IMM’s investment strategy and has played a significant role in building the firm’s reputation in the Korean private equity market.
- Michael Kim, Partner: Kim focuses on executing key investments and managing portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Tailim Packaging to Jupiter Asset Management
- Exit of Playtime Group via IPO
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in W Concept Korea, a leading online fashion retailer.
- Acquisition of Taihan Electric Wire, a leading cable manufacturer.
Office Locations:
- Seoul: Seoul, South Korea
Website: www.immpe.com
Quote: “IMM Private Equity is dedicated to identifying opportunities in high-growth sectors, leveraging our deep industry expertise to drive superior returns.” – John Yoo, CEO
Hahn & Company
Investment Style: Hahn & Company focuses on control buyouts and platform investments in South Korea, aiming to create value through operational improvements and strategic guidance.
Portfolio Companies: Hahn & Company’s portfolio includes Ssangyong Cement (cement manufacturing), Halla Cement (building materials), and Hanon Systems (automotive thermal management).
Founding Date: 2010
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $4 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Scott Sang-Won Hahn, CEO: Hahn leads the firm’s strategic initiatives and investment decisions, leveraging his extensive experience in private equity.
- James Ha, Partner: Ha plays a critical role in managing the firm’s investments and operations.
Recent Exits:
- Exit of Woongjin Foods
- Sale of Daewoo Engineering & Construction to Jungheung Group
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of Lotte Non-Life Insurance
- Investment in SK Shipping
Office Locations:
- Seoul (Headquarters): Seoul, South Korea
Website: www.hahnco.com
Quote: “At Hahn & Company, we emphasize operational excellence and strategic growth to build leading businesses in Korea.” – Scott Sang-Won Hahn, CEO
STIC Investments
Investment Style: STIC Investments focuses on growth capital, buyouts, and cross-border investments in a variety of sectors, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods in South Korea and Southeast Asia.
Portfolio Companies: STIC’s portfolio includes companies like Kakao Mobility (transportation services), Doosan Bobcat (construction equipment), and Yanolja (hospitality platform).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 60
Assets Under Management: Approximately $4 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Taeyoung Kim, CEO: Kim spearheads STIC’s strategic direction and investment pursuits, with vast experience in private equity and growth investments.
- Chang-Soo Kim, Managing Partner: Kim contributes to the firm’s investment strategy and management of portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Exit of Woowa Brothers via acquisition by Delivery Hero
- Sale of Megastudy Education via IPO
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Curiox Biosystems, a biotechnology company.
- Acquisition of a stake in Yanolja, a leading travel and leisure platform.
Office Locations:
- Seoul (Headquarters): Seoul, South Korea
- Additional Offices: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: www.sticinvestments.com
Quote: “Our investment approach is built on deep sector knowledge and a commitment to value creation, enabling us to deliver sustainable growth for our portfolio companies.” – Taeyoung Kim, CEO
VIG Partners
Investment Style: VIG Partners engages in mid-market buyouts and growth capital investments, focusing on companies with strong growth potential in the consumer, healthcare, and industrial sectors in South Korea.
Portfolio Companies: VIG’s portfolio includes T-Broad Holdings (cable TV), Daelim Motor (automotive), and Good People (underwear manufacturer).
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately $2.3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Yoon, CEO: Yoon leads the firm’s investment activities and strategic direction, leveraging his extensive experience in private equity.
- James Lee, Partner: Lee plays a pivotal role in managing and executing key investments for the firm.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Joins Media Holdings to Naver
- Exit of Korea Asset In Trust via IPO
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of Hanssem Co Ltd, a leading furniture company in Korea.
- Investment in K Car, a leading used car platform in Korea.
Office Locations:
- Seoul: Seoul, South Korea
Website: www.vigpartners.com
Quote: “We focus on unlocking the full potential of our portfolio companies by providing strategic insight and operational improvements.” – David Yoon, CEO
SkyLake Investment
Investment Style: SkyLake Investment focuses on buyouts and growth capital investments, with a strong emphasis on technology, media, and telecommunications sectors in South Korea.
Portfolio Companies: SkyLake’s portfolio includes companies like YG Entertainment (entertainment), Iljin Materials (materials), and Hyundai Renewable Energy (renewables).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jong-Kap Kim, Chairman: Kim guides the firm’s strategic direction and investment strategy, leveraging his extensive experience in the investment industry.
- Jong-Il Yoon, Managing Partner: Yoon plays a key role in managing the firm’s investment portfolio and executing strategic investments.
Recent Exits:
- Exit of Iljin Diamond via trade sale
- Sale of Doosan Mottrol to S&T Holdings
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of a stake in Hyundai Renewable Energy.
- Investment in CJ OliveNetworks, a leading IT service provider.
Office Locations:
- Seoul (Headquarters): Seoul, South Korea
Website: www.skylake.co.kr
Quote: “Our focus is on building sustainable businesses with a competitive edge in their respective industries, by leveraging our deep expertise and networks.” – Jong-Kap Kim, Chairman
Mirae Asset Private Equity
Investment Style: Mirae Asset Private Equity focuses on buyouts and growth capital investments across a broad range of industries, including financial services, real estate, and infrastructure in South Korea and globally.
Portfolio Companies: Mirae Asset’s portfolio includes companies such as GS E&C (construction), eBay Korea (e-commerce), and Daewoo E&C (engineering and construction).
Founding Date: 1997
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Paul Yoo, Managing Partner: Yoo drives Mirae Asset’s investment strategy and portfolio management, with a focus on creating long-term value.
- Jin-Woo Kim, Partner: Kim supports the firm’s investment activities, particularly in the infrastructure and real estate sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Exit of eBay Korea via trade sale to Emart.
- Sale of GS E&C to Seoul City Government.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Naver Financial, a leading fintech company in Korea.
- Acquisition of a stake in Daewoo E&C.
Office Locations:
- Seoul (Headquarters): Seoul, South Korea
- Additional Offices: Hong Kong, New York
Website: www.am.miraeasset.com
Quote: “Through disciplined investment practices and a commitment to excellence, we aim to achieve sustainable growth and returns for our investors.” – Paul Yoo, Managing Partner
Hahn & Company II
Investment Style: Focused on control buyouts and platform investments, Hahn & Company II works on creating value through operational improvements and strategic guidance in South Korea.
Portfolio Companies: Includes companies like Hanon Systems (automotive thermal management) and Ssangyong Cement (cement manufacturing).
Founding Date: 2010
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Scott Sang-Won Hahn, CEO: Leads the firm’s strategic initiatives and investment decisions.
- James Ha, Partner: Manages the firm’s investments and operations.
Recent Exits:
- Exit of Woongjin Foods
- Sale of Daewoo Engineering & Construction to Jungheung Group
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of Lotte Non-Life Insurance
- Investment in SK Shipping
Office Locations:
- Seoul (Headquarters): Seoul, South Korea
Website: www.hahnco.com
Quote: “At Hahn & Company, we emphasize operational excellence and strategic growth to build leading businesses in Korea.” – Scott Sang-Won Hahn, CEO
Seoul Investment Partners
Investment Style: Seoul Investment Partners focuses on venture capital and private equity investments, primarily targeting early to mid-stage companies in technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors in South Korea.
Portfolio Companies: Seoul Investment Partners’ portfolio includes companies such as TMON (e-commerce), Yanolja (hospitality), and Megastudy (education).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Seong Jin Park, CEO: Park leads the firm’s investment strategy and operations, focusing on high-growth opportunities in technology and consumer sectors.
- Jae Woo Lee, Partner: Lee contributes to the firm’s venture capital and growth investments, particularly in technology and healthcare.
Recent Exits:
- IPO of TMON
- Sale of Megastudy Education
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Yanolja, a leading hospitality platform.
- Acquisition of a stake in Woowa Brothers, the operator of Korea’s top food delivery app.
Office Locations:
- Seoul (Headquarters): Seoul, South Korea
Website: www.seoulinvestmentpartners.com
Quote: “We are committed to identifying and nurturing innovative companies that are poised for significant growth, leveraging our expertise and network to drive success.” – Seong Jin Park, CEO
Conclusion
Seoul’s private equity landscape reflects a dynamic and evolving financial ecosystem. As global investment strategies continue to adapt, Korean firms are positioning themselves at the forefront of strategic capital deployment. The interplay between local market knowledge and international investment trends creates unique opportunities for growth and transformation.
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