MBK Partners, officially known as MBK Consortium, is the largest independent private equity firm in North Asia. Established in 2005 by Michael ByungJu Kim and senior executives from the Carlyle Group, the firm is based in Seoul and operates offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. With over $30 billion in capital under management, MBK Partners has invested in more than 50 portfolio companies whose combined revenues exceed $44.1 billion and employ around 372,000 people. The firm is regularly ranked among the region’s leading private equity investors.
The firm focuses on control-oriented buyouts of established businesses in Telecom/Media/Technology, Financial Services, Consumer/Retail and Healthcare. It also pursues special situations financing, deploying flexible capital across the capital structure to support companies in transitional or distressed scenarios. Its approach relies on local deal sourcing, active management and operational enhancements led by a team of more than 100 investment professionals across North Asia. In 2023, MBK Partners launched its sixth buyout fund with a $7 billion target, demonstrating continued backing from global institutions.
MBK Partners has extended its reach into battery technology through significant investments in SK On, a leading electric vehicle battery producer. In collaboration with partners such as BlackRock, it contributed $1.1 billion and $909 million in funding rounds to advance EV battery production and explore next-generation technologies. The firm has also outlined plans to enhance environmental, social and governance performance and explore renewable energy opportunities through select holdings, signaling potential for further engagement in clean technology ventures across North Asia. Earlier fund vehicles have backed growth-stage businesses commercializing proven technologies in clean energy, mobility and emission reduction.
