Global law firm K&L Gates LLP advised SFOOD Inc. (SFOOD) and its US subsidiary S Foods USA Inc. (S Foods USA) in its acquisition of a majority stake in the parent company of Old World Provisions, Inc. (OWP) and OWP Boston LLC (OWP Boston). OWP and OWP Boston are premium meat processing companies based in New York and Massachusetts. The acquisition secures SFOOD’s foothold into the North American market by establishing an integrated system encompassing local production, sales, and marketing. K&L Gates worked with South Korea-based law firm Kim & Chang for its representation of SFOOD and S Foods USA in the transaction. Both firms have a long relationship of jointly assisting clients with Korean/US cross-border transactions.

Seoul managing partner Tyler Hong Shik Won, an intellectual property and antitrust lawyer, was the relationship partner providing Korean and US resources. Chicago corporate/M&A and private equity partner Todd Southwell led the large international transaction team for K&L Gates, which included Corporate/M&A Nashville associate Leah Eubanks and Chicago associate Jamie Thompson. K&L Gates frequently represents clients in similar cross-border M&A transactions and advises companies seeking to conduct transactions and business in the United States.

The core transaction team was closely supported by a dedicated group of K&L Gates partners, counsel, associates, and paralegals. In particular, Pittsburgh partner Scott Graham coordinated certain financing matters, San Francisco partner Natalie Rainer addressed food regulatory issues, Seattle counsel Jacob Moss handled real estate transactions, Chicago partners Mitch Weiss and Jacob Trevik worked on international tax matters, and Charlotte partner Devan Patrick advised on domestic tax issues.

Southwell commented: “We were thrilled to represent a great Korean company like SFOOD Inc. and its US subsidiary S Foods USA Inc. as they broaden their influence in the highly competitive food sector. It was wonderful to work with the dedicated and business-savvy people from SFOOD and S Foods USA. In addition, working together with smart and hard-working team from Kim & Chang helped make this a successful transaction. This deal showcases how K&L Gates is positioned to bring lawyers from across many practice groups and offices to handle complex transactions and nuanced substantive matters for clients.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.