Korea M&A Exchange

What Korea M&A Exchange does

Korea M&A Exchange (한국M&A거래소, KMX) is a Seoul-based M&A brokerage and platform operator focused on Korean small and mid-sized enterprises. Founded in 2007 (network activities) and formally established in 2014, the company runs a proprietary M&A platform system — developed over roughly a decade of concept design and six years of build/operations — that integrates a deal database of approximately 10,000+ entries, an AI-powered matching algorithm, and an end-to-end workflow covering company analysis, valuation, deal structuring, MOU drafting, due diligence support, and closing. The platform is differentiated by a 100% internal matching model: KMX pairs counterparties exclusively from within its own database without circulating deal teasers externally, a positioning the company claims is unique in the Korean M&A market.

KMX serves five core customer segments: family-business owners seeking succession (with a 100% employment-retention commitment), strategic growth acquirers, distressed/turnaround companies, listed companies and large enterprises in the KRW 100B–3T deal range, and investors/PE funds accessing deal flow. Distribution combines a direct sales motion (website and in-person consultations at the Yeongdeungpo-gu headquarters), a two-tier partner network (~1,000 individual professionals + ~340 organizational partners including banks, securities firms, accounting/law firms and industry associations), an exclusive bi-weekly deal-listings column in Maeil Business Newspaper, and the Matok (M2) mobile app. Revenue is generated from upfront non-refundable setup fees (KRW 3–20M depending on company/deal size), transaction success fees of 0.7–3.5% on closing, a 15–30% revenue share with referring partners, and an annual subscription tier (본쇄도) for paid M&A intelligence. KMX reports cumulative M&A transaction value of approximately KRW 60 trillion brokered through its platform and estimates that roughly 50% of KOSPI/KOSDAQ listed companies that sought M&A submitted their requests through KMX. The company received its first external institutional investment in March 2024 from Japan's Nihon M&A Center.

Name

Korea M&A Exchange

Legal name

Korea M&A Exchange co., LTD.

Website

https://kmx.kr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Korea M&A Exchange (KMX) operates South Korea's largest internal M&A matching platform for small and mid-sized enterprises, with a ~10,000-deal proprietary database, AI-powered matching, and full-lifecycle brokerage services from succession to closing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

M&A Brokerage and Advisory Services

NAICS

Miscellaneous Intermediation (523910)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies (6211)

akta.pro primary industry

M&A Advisory (Buy-side/Sell-side) (BPAHADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Transaction Services (Financial, Tax & Commercial Due Diligence) (BPAHAOAB), Industry-Specialist / Sector-Focused M&A Advisory (FSAEAGAJ)

Keywords

• M&A brokerage services
• SME merger advisory
• Business succession consulting
• M&A matching platform
• Corporate restructuring advisory

Headquarters

HQ city

Yongdungpo

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. M&A Brokerage / Success Fee: Primary revenue stream from M&A transaction success fees charged upon deal completion. KMX charges a success fee of 0.7–3.5% of the transaction value, with no fees charged until the M&A deal successfully closes. For seller companies, setup fees (착수금) ranging from KRW 3–20 million are collected upfront to cover company analysis, valuation, and deal sourcing costs and are non-refundable. For acquirer companies, setup fees range from KRW 3–20 million depending on deal size. The success fee is the main revenue component.
2. Partner Revenue Share: KMX operates a partner network (개인파트너/기업파트너) where individual professionals (accountants, tax agents, lawyers, consultants) and organizations (banks, securities firms, accounting firms) refer M&A deal information to KMX. Partners receive 15–30% of KMX's success fee (from 15% base rate up to 30% for significant contribution). Information introduction fees of KRW 500,000 per case are also paid when setup fees are collected.
3. Premium Information Services (유료정보/본궤도): Paid subscription service for M&A deal information and research content. KMX charges subscription fees for access to detailed deal listings, M&A statistics (~100+ research reports published), and curated deal summaries. Offered as annual subscriptions with different tiers based on information access volume and content scope. Introduced in March 2020 as Korea's first paid M&A information service.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Korea M&A Exchange (KMX) provides M&A brokerage and advisory services primarily targeting Korean SMEs and mid-market companies. The company operates a proprietary internal matching platform with approximately 10,000+ deal entries that connects sellers (business owners seeking succession or exit) with acquirers (strategic buyers, listed companies, funds). Services span the full M&A lifecycle: company analysis, optimal matching, valuation, deal structure design, MOU drafting, due diligence support, and SPA execution. Revenue is earned through transaction success fees (0.7-3.5% of deal value) and non-refundable setup fees (KRW 3-20 million).

Product overview

Korea M&A Exchange (KMX) operates as a unified M&A matching platform with multiple interconnected services. The core offering is the KMX M&A Platform (한국M&A거래소 플랫폼), which functions as Korea's dominant M&A matching platform supporting the full M&A lifecycle — from company analysis and deal sourcing through internal matching, valuation, deal structuring, due diligence, and closing — with approximately 10,000+ deal entries enabling 100% internal matching. This core platform is supported by dedicated digital channels: 마톡 (Matok), a web/app platform for M&A, commercial real estate, and technology transactions; and 엠투 (M2), Korea's first M&A mobile app for iOS/Android providing deal content on the go. KMX also operates an online self-directed matching platform called 기부기, a paid research intelligence service branded as 본궤도 (providing detailed M&A deal info and 100+ statistical reports), and K-투자망, a free investment matching platform connecting investors with fund-raising companies. Educational services are delivered throughmafiaedu.com, which offers professional certifications in M&A, corporate restructuring, corporate finance, and business valuation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 기부기: Self-service M&A matching platform (자율진행형 M&A플랫폼)
• 마톡 (Matok/M2)
• 본궤도

Products and services

• KMX M&A Platform (한국M&A거래소 플랫폼) Korea's largest internal M&A matching platform supporting the full M&A lifecycle (All Process) from company analysis, deal sourcing, matching, valuation, deal structuring, due diligence, contract negotiation to closing. Holds approximately 10,000+ deal entries enabling 100% internal matching without external information exposure. Targets SMEs, mid-market companies, and KOSPI/KOSDAQ listed companies seeking M&A transactions from KRW 10 billion to KRW 3 trillion.
• Matok / M2 Mobile App (마톡/엠투 모바일 앱) Korea's first M&A-focused mobile application available on Google Play (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS). Provides M&A deal listings, search and filtering capabilities, buyer-seller matching request functionality, and daily deal information push notifications to registered acquiring companies. Covers M&A, store/commercial real estate, and technology transactions.
• Bookodo Paid Information Service (본격도 유료정보) Annual subscription service providing access to detailed M&A deal information, research content (~100+ M&A statistics reports from KMX's research center), and curated classified M&A intelligence. Offered in multiple tiers based on information access volume and content scope.
• Gidugi Self-Directed M&A Platform (기부기 자율진행형 플랫폼) Database-based self-directed M&A matching platform launched April 2020, enabling direct matching between M&A parties alongside expert-facilitated advisory within the platform. Allows users to self-source and self-match M&A opportunities from KMX's deal database.
• K-Tuja Investment Matching Platform (K-투자망) Free investment matching platform connecting investors (SI/FI) with investment seekers (startups, ventures, SMEs, self-employed). Enables direct matching for fundraising activities between capital providers and capital seekers across the Korean startup and SME ecosystem.
• Professional Certification Programs (mafiaedu.com 기업전문가 자격증) Online professional certification programs including M&A Trader (M&A거래사), Corporate Rehabilitation Manager (기업회생관리사), Corporate Finance Advisor (기업금융지도사), Business Value Analyst (기업가치애널리스트), and Management Consultant (경영지도사). Delivered via online (mobile/PC) courses, these certifications build the professional M&A practitioner community in Korea.

Quantifiable outcome

• ~60 trillion KRW in cumulative M&A transaction value brokered through KMX
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and regional.

• Ministry of SMEs and Startups (중소벤처기업부)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesignated KMX as an 'M&A Support Center' — the only M&A deal specialist organization in Korea to receive this government designation. This provides official credibility for KMX to support SME M&A activities under government programs. KIBO, Shinbo, and other government-backed institutions are included in the M&A support ecosystem but KMX is the sole M&A deal specialist in this designation.
• Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA, 코트라)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKMX and KOTRA co-host global investment attraction programs for Korean SMEs and mid-market companies. KMX receives applications and submits them to KOTRA, which leverages its 36 overseas trade offices to identify global investors (FI/SI). Deal size: minimum KRW 5 billion per company. KMX is the sole platform handling all applications for these joint programs.
• Shinhan Financial Investment (신한금융투자)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed February 2022 for cooperation in M&A, IPO, A&D, and the Matok online platform. Shinhan Financial Investment is one of Korea's leading securities firms, bringing institutional deal flow and financial advisory capabilities to the partnership.
• BNK Investment Securities (BNK투자증권)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed May 2022 for cooperation in M&A, A&D (Acquire and Develop), and the 'Gidugi' platform. BNK Investment Securities provides investment banking capabilities and deal sourcing for joint M&A transactions.
• Hana Bank (하나은행)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMOU signed May 2021 for SME M&A and family office cooperation. Hana Bank (major commercial bank with 320+ PB and 100+ RM staff) refers its corporate clients' M&A needs to KMX in exchange for partnership arrangements, providing differentiated M&A services to bank customers.
• Paju Chamber of Commerce (파주상공회의소)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed April 2025 for mutual cooperation. Covers M&A activation, investment/investment attraction, IPO support, joint seminars, individual M&A counseling, and regional economic development support for Paju businesses.
• Korea PCB & Semiconductor Packaging Industry Association (한국PCB&반도체패키징산업협회)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed July 2025 for cooperation in M&A, investment/investment attraction, IPO support, and joint seminars for PCB and semiconductor packaging companies. The association brings a specialized industry network for targeted M&A matching.
• Industrial Education Research Institute (산업교육研究院)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed November 2025 for cooperation in corporate M&A activation, online education and M&A special lectures, family succession counseling, and IPO advisory. The institute brings executive education capabilities to support M&A training and awareness programs.
• Newbon Ventures (주식회사 뉴본벤처스)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed February 2024 for startup ecosystem activation. Newbon Ventures operates 6 investment funds in a startup investment ecosystem model and brings deal flow from high-potential startups seeking M&A or investment exits.
• Matched (매치드)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed February 2024 for M&A and investment attraction activation. Matched operates a B2B matching platform for corporate decision-makers (1,500+ members) and collaborates with KMX on deal sourcing and matching for Korean companies.
• Korea Venture Business Association (한국벤처기업협회)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive M&A platform partnership with Korea's largest venture business association for SME M&A activation. The association brings member companies seeking M&A exits or acquisitions; KMX provides its deal matching platform and process.
• Korea SME Development Association (사단법인 한국중소기업발전협회)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed January 2024 for SME M&A activation. The association is authorized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and operates local chapters nationwide. Partnership covers M&A, investment, IPO, and education cooperation.
• Juyoopaepsida / 제휴합시다regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed November 2023 for corporate M&A activation. 제휴합시다 operates Korea's only corporate partnership intermediary, helping companies create synergies through B2B connections.
• People for Life (피플라이프)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMOU signed November 2021 for financial consulting cooperation. People for Life provides M&A, accounting, tax, finance, insurance, securities, real estate asset management, and consulting services, and refers clients to KMX for M&A transactions.
• Kookmin Bank (기업은행/IBK)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor commercial bank partnership for SME M&A referrals. Kookmin Bank's extensive corporate client network generates M&A deal flow for KMX, with KMX providing deal matching services to bank-referred clients.
• Busan Bank / BNK 부산은행regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFirst bank-sector MOU for regional SME M&A. BNK Busan Bank refers its regional SME clients to KMX for M&A matching, addressing local company succession and growth needs in the Busan/Ulsan/Gyeongnam region.
• Maeil Business Newspaper (매일경제)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive partnership for bi-weekly 'M&A Deal Marketplace' (매물장터) publication. KMX provides deal information that Maeil Business Newspaper publishes as a recurring column, reaching the newspaper's extensive business readership. This is the only exclusive M&A marketplace partnership between a newspaper and an M&A platform in Korea.
• Korea M&A Investment Association / 한국M&A투자협회coreOthersGovernment-authorized certified organization (공인조직) established by KMX's chairman in 2009. Operates parallel to KMX as the educational and certification arm, issuing credentials: M&A Trader, Corporate Rehabilitation Manager, Corporate Finance Advisor, Corporate Value Analyst. Serves as legal rehabilitation court trainer (3 major training institutions for court receivers). Also conducts M&A research and statistics publication. The association's Asia M&A Association (founded 2013) spans 8 countries.
• M2News (엠투뉴스)regionalGTM or Marketing PartnerKorea's first M&A and investment specialty online news platform, co-operated by Pacific Consulting Group and Korea M&A Investment Association with content provided by KMX. Established March 2021. International reach expanded through partnership with Scout Asia (jointly funded by Financial Times and Nikkei), providing 160,000 company data points across 24 Asian countries.
• Multiple Financial/Professional Institutions (340+ organizations)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKMX maintains partnerships with approximately 340 organizations including: major banks (Shinhan, Hana, Kookmin, Busan Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea), securities firms (Mirae Asset Securities, SK Securities, Shinhan Financial Investment, BNK Investment Securities), accounting firms (Samil, Daewoo, Samduck, Dongwon, Seonghyun), law firms (Taeyoung Pacific, Han-giul, Dea-ah, Jooyoo), industry associations (Korea Venture Business Association, Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, Korean Franchising Association), government bodies (KIC Silicon Valley, Inje University, Hanyang University, Sungkyunkwan University), and international organizations (UAE sovereign wealth funds, China investment associations, Japan M&A Center, Singapore Censere Group, Hong Kong/Taiwan VC associations).

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• M&A Research Institute Holdings: Japan-listed M&A advisory integrating proprietary technology with traditional intermediation—directly comparable to KMX's hybrid platform-plus-advisor model. Both firms emphasize AI-enabled matching on top of human advisory, and compete in adjacent Japan-Korea cross-border scenarios.
• M&A Capital Partners: Japanese SME M&A advisory firm specializing in succession-type M&A with a partner/intermediary-driven deal sourcing model closely paralleling KMX's domestic SME focus. Both firms target founders without successors and operate national brand recognition in their respective markets.
• Nihon M&A Center: Japan's largest M&A intermediary platform (Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section listed, ~KRW 7T market cap) operating a nearly identical business model: SME-focused succession M&A driven by a large partner/intermediary network with proprietary matching. Strategic investor in KMX since March 2024.

Emerging players

• Lincoln International: Global mid-market M&A advisor with deep Asia practice, focusing on transactions of similar size band to KMX's mid-market deals. Comparable in deal-size targeting but Lincoln is an institutional advisory firm versus KMX's platform/intermediary model.
• Lazard: Global independent investment bank with Korea presence providing M&A advisory, restructuring, and capital markets services. Overlaps with KMX in cross-border M&A as KMX expands internationally, but operates a fundamentally different high-end institutional model.

Broad incumbents

• Deloitte Anjin: Deloitte's Korean member firm providing cross-border M&A advisory, due diligence, and corporate finance. Particularly relevant comparator as KMX expands internationally via its NMA partnership, where Deloitte's global network represents a competing model.
• Samil Accounting Corporation (PwC Korea): Korean member firm of PwC providing full-service M&A advisory, due diligence, and valuation services. Overlaps with KMX at the larger transaction end of the market and serves many of the same corporate buyers; KMX's CEO Lee Ui-ung is a former Samil employee, indicating direct personnel overlap.
• Korea Investment & Securities: Major Korean securities firm with institutional M&A advisory practice and capital markets capabilities. Represents the type of larger, more established player with embedded corporate relationships that KMX competes against (and partly partners with) for mid- and large-cap Korean M&A engagements.
• EY Han Young: Korean member firm of EY providing corporate finance advisory including M&A, due diligence, and transaction services. Overlaps with KMX in valuation and due diligence components but operates primarily at larger transaction sizes and serves different buyer profile.
• KPMG Samjong: KPMG's Korean member firm with substantial deal advisory practice. Overlaps with KMX in transaction services and corporate finance but operates with a fundamentally different model (project-based advisory) versus KMX's matching platform model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCexample
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/korea-m-a-exchange
• Facebookfacebook.com/kmx88

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Korea M&A Exchange