Private equity finds its Seoul
South Korea is fast becoming the life and soul of Asia’s private equity industry.Deals rose 100% in 2021 to nearly $30 billion and its buyout market has assumed “disproportionate importance” according to Goldman Sachs. Like any good party, the right ingredients need to be in place. Rather than good music and a finely stocked bar, South Korea boasts a strong financing environment, a slew of global conglomerates and plenty of family-founded businesses that must be music to GPs’ ears. Korean private equity groups are coming of age. The stage is set for them to take on their global peers and showcase the country’s VIP credentials.
