Chairman Message

Since the formation of Meridien Partners Group in 1998, we have been advising our clients on how to survive the financial crisis and reform themselves. The fundamental cause for the crisis was structural inefficiencies that had accumulated in the process of unrelented economic growth led by the Korean Government in the preceding decades. During that period, Korean corporations had pursued asset building and leveraged expansion rather than increasing profits and productivity through continuous reform and development of new technology. Korean financial institutions relied more on government support and unchecked growth of lending to business congromerates.

The financial crisis became a blessing in disguise indeed, for Korea has achieved massive reforms in both private and public sectors. Korea has also pursued full integration into the global economy by opening its capital and real estate markets to foreign investors and liberalizing laws concerning foreign direct invesment. Korea’s competitiveness has been regained through the active implemention of financial sector restructuring and corporate reforms. As the Korean chaebols and corporates have become increasingly aware of the accelerating globalization, they have taken the initiatives of streamlining their businesses in order to eliminate structural inefficiencies, increase profitability, and enhance international competitiveness. Korean companies have become more receptive to foreign investment partners, whether strategic or financial.

A strong knowledge and deep-seated experience are critical in dealing and managing business opportunities in Korea because of the intricate relationships among corporates, financial institutions and the Government. The professionals of Meridien Partners Group have a wide array of experiences in investment banking and consultancy in both the United States and Korea. They have the industry knowledge and expertise as well as local connections from their prior experience of working for both Korean and American corporations and financial institutions. Their knowedge base and local connections have been brought to bear on the large number of investment banking and private equity transactions involving clients pursuing business in Korea for the past six years. Meridien Partners Group seek to deliver quality financial advisory services to our clients and to maximize returns on capitals invested in the private equity investment funds we manage through its affiliate MVP capital.

Sincerely,

Soo-Ryong (SR) Kim
Chairman