Jipyung LLC held a seminar with the KORCHAM Economic Research Institute to discuss legal issues that arise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and investment involving technology corporations. With the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) driving more investment and M&A in technology corporations, foreign investment regulations, technology protection regulations, and technology due diligence have emerged as key issues.
Jipyung said it co-hosted a seminar titled "M&A and investment of technology corporations" with the KORCHAM Economic Research Institute at the Grand Central headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the —day. The seminar was moderated by attorney Kim Beom-hee, head of the Jipyung Technology Center. After an opening address by Jipyung managing partner Lee Haeng-gyu and congratulatory remarks by KORCHAM Economic Research Institute Director Park Yang-su, presentations followed on initial public offerings (IPO), technology valuation, M&A practice, and foreign investment regulations.
The first presentation was given by Director Yun Tae-ung of the IB1 Division in the IB Group at Korea Investment & Securities Co. Yun spoke on "IPO practice for technology corporations," explaining recent IPO market trends and the Korea Exchange's tightening review. He also introduced items technology corporations must prepare when pursuing a listing, including the special technology listing regime, technology evaluation, and internal control systems.
Patent attorney Kim Yun-seon of Jipyung Patent & Law presented on "valuation and due diligence cases for technology corporations." Kim said that when assessing the competitiveness of a technology corporation, one should look not only at the excellence of individual technologies but also at market fit and execution capability. Kim also emphasized that risk factors identified during technology due diligence should be reflected in corporate value and contract terms.
Hong Seung-hwan, a partner at Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, outlined recent technology corporation M&A market trends and major cases. Hong said that for technology corporation M&A, it is important to check strategies and procedures for each stage of the transaction in advance. The point is to identify key issues ahead of time through real-world case work and transaction simulations.
The final presentation was given by attorney Ko Hyo-jeong of Jipyung. Ko explained foreign investment regulations and technology protection regulations under the theme "review of regulatory laws applicable to foreigners' M&A of Korean technology corporations." Ko said that transactions in which a foreigner acquires a domestic technology corporation must review foreign investment regulations and technology protection laws together, unlike general M&A.
Ko said, "Data accessibility, the possibility of technology transfer, and the structure and timeline of the transaction can be connected to a variety of regulatory issues," adding, "Proactive legal review is needed from the early stages of the transaction."
Attorney Kim Beom-hee said, "The AI revolution is expected to boost global interest and investment in technology corporations," adding, "The Jipyung Technology Center will continue to provide on-the-ground insights needed by technology corporations and investors."