Provides advice on how to perform due diligence and in what areas it is necessary for a U.S. company. Includes information on the U.S. Commercial Service International Company Profile service.
Last Published: 8/29/2019
  • Conducting a thorough due diligence check is critical when selecting a local partner for a joint venture, licensing, representation, and distribution.  A due diligence check should include:
  • An evaluation of the company’s financial and operational history
  • Accounting practices
  • Hidden ownership interests
  • Corporate relationships with other Korean companies
  • Position in the market for the product(s) you are exporting.

CS Korea offers a fee-based service called the International Country Profile (ICP): https://2016.export.gov/southkorea/servicesforuscompanies/index.asp#P40_2693.  The ICP includes the above information, obtained by the Commercial Service in Korea, in addition to a visit to the office of the Korean company, as well as obtaining financial information from DandB Korea Co., Ltd. (http://www.dnbasia.com/kr/english/sitemap/) and Kroll International (http://www.kroll.com/), both of which also provide due diligence reports.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.