Sam-il PwC "Must Review Korean and US Listing Systems to Establish the Most Suitable Listing Strategy"

US Listing Strategy Seminar
Explanation of US IPO Process and Listing Preparation Requirements

Samil PwC's Global IPO Team announced on the 23rd that they presented the differences between the Korean and U.S. listing systems and successful U.S. listing strategies at the 'Successful U.S. Market Entry IT Strategy Seminar for Domestic Innovative Technology Companies' hosted by the Korea Artificial Intelligence Association on the 22nd. The seminar was held at the Google Startup Campus in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It was planned to provide an important opportunity for Korean companies to enter the U.S. market.

Through the 'US IPO Overview and Overseas IPO Advisory Services Introduction' session, the Global IPO Team explained in detail the differences between the Korean and U.S. listing systems, the U.S. IPO process, company preparations, and key advantages. Gi-rok Kim, leader of the Global IPO Team, stated, “For innovative companies with solid foundations and growth potential, the U.S. market is a capital market worth considering at least once,” emphasizing, “It is essential to carefully review the Korean and U.S. listing systems to establish the most suitable listing strategy.” He also added, “We do not recommend considering a U.S. listing simply because domestic listing is difficult.”

In the U.S. listing process, there is no eligibility review like the preliminary examination by the Korea Exchange; instead, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reviews whether the disclosure in the securities registration statement is sufficient and complete from the investors’ perspective. Kim explained, “The U.S. places greater emphasis on post-listing performance, stock price, compliance monitoring, and delisting risks,” highlighting that the sustainability of fundraising is also an important factor in U.S. listings.

The Global IPO Team mentioned the advantages of U.S. listings as the world’s largest liquidity, increased corporate value, enhanced transparency and recognition, and global promotional effects. However, they also pointed out considerations such as relatively high listing maintenance costs, risks of shareholder class-action lawsuits, and the heavy burden of compliance monitoring. Kim added, “The auditing standards applied to U.S. listed companies are complex and unfamiliar, so the assistance of experienced auditors is essential.”

Samil PwC supports domestic companies comprehensively through a team specializing in global IPOs to address issues arising during the listing preparation process. The Unicorn Support Center, led by Partner Do-shin Lee, provides one-stop advisory services for startups from founding, growth, investment attraction, M&A, to domestic and overseas listings.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.