Australia Korea practice

The Herbert Smith Freehills Australia Korea Practice is a unique team of lawyers with broad experience advising Korean businesses on their investments and operations in Australia.

Overview

Global Network

Our offices in Korea and Australia, supported by a global network of 26 offices, means you will always be advised by the best and most experienced team.

In Australia – We are the largest law firm and consistently ranked No.1 in M&A (both in number of deals advised and value of deals) and as the market leader in banking & finance, dispute resolution, employment, infrastructure, construction, real estate, restructuring & insolvency, intellectual property, information technology and competition law. We have been awarded Asia-Pacific Law Firm of the Year 2017 by Chambers.”
In Korea – Our Seoul office is one of the largest on-the-ground presences of any international law firm operating in Korea, with specialists in corporate, funds, disputes and energy and resources law. Chambers Asia Pacific recently awarded us “International Firm of the Year – South Korea” 2018.

Korea market leader

We have more experience advising Korean businesses on Australian investments than any other law firm. Our clients benefit from our strategic advice and ability to identify potential deal issues early in an investment.

We understand Korea

Our team has worked extensively with leading Korean companies, giving us a distinctive insight into the internal processes of Korean businesses. We have a deep understanding of Korea’s economy, and the commercial drivers and risk tolerance of Korean businesses.

Advice to fit your specific needs

We advise Korean clients from all sectors, from major trading houses to companies considering investing in Australia for the first time. We are also increasingly working with Australian businesses on Korea-related transactions.

Experience

We have more experience advising Korean businesses on Australian investments and operations than any other law firm. Some of our key matters and transactions include advising:

KDB Infrastructure Investments Asset Management Co Ltd and Hanwha Energy on their acquisition of a combined 51.5% interest in the Bannerton Solar Farm in Victoria, Australia from the Foresight Group.
KEPCO on its acquisition, development and financing of the Bylong coal project in New South Wales.
KEXIM and K-Sure on their project financing of INPEX's Ichthys LNG project located in Western Australia. This was the largest project financing in Australia.
KOGAS on its US$700 million acquisition from Shell of a 10% interest in the Prelude Floating LNG Project in Western Australia and on LNG off-take agreements from the project.
Korea Investment Corporation on multiple investments into funds in Australia
POSCO on its acquisition (together with STX, Marubeni and China Steel Corporation) of a 30% equity interest in the $12 billion Roy Hill iron ore project, and associated $7 billion project financing, sponsor support and offtake arrangements.
POSCO on its A$79 million share investment in ASX-listed Pilbara Minerals and A$79.6 million convertible note facility, together with offtake rights from the Pilgangoora lithium project.
Samsung C&T Corporation on subcontracting and management of the principal EPC contract for the construction of the Roy Hill iron ore mine, rail and port project in Western Australia with a value of around A$6 billion.

People

Our experienced and integrated cross-border practice delivers high quality cost-efficient advice. Our partners and senior lawyers have extensive experience advising Korean businesses, and are supported by an energetic group of talented young lawyers.

Click here for an overview of our full Australia-Korea Practice team

News and Publications

Doing business in Australia

June 2018

This guide has been prepared to assist international investors and business operators who are considering doing business in Australia. The guide provides an overview of the laws, rules and regulations that govern doing business in Australia.

READ MORE

Key Contacts

If you have any questions, or would like to know how this might affect your business, phone, or email these key contacts.

Ian Williams is a highly experienced M&A and joint venture specialist focussing on the mining, industrial, infrastructure and agri-business sectors.

Key Services

Corporate

Mergers & Acquisitions

Key Sectors

Mining

Consumer

+61 2 9225 5980

Ken specialises in advising on outbound investment transactions for Korean corporate clients with a focus on projects in the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors. Ken is the Chief Representative of the Seoul office.

Key Services

Corporate

Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Finance

Key Sectors

Energy

Power

+82 2 6321 5714