The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) announced the launch of the 2025 M&A Enhancement Support Project on March 26, aimed at fostering mergers and acquisitions among small and medium-sized enterprises and startups. 

This initiative is part of the broader “Small Business Acceleration Strategy” introduced in 2024. It features the debut of an online system and offline support centers as part of the ‘Public-Private Partnership M&A Platform’ operated by the Korea Technology Finance Corporation.

The M&A Enhancement Support Project, operational since 2010, has played a crucial role in facilitating M&A activities for SMEs and startups. Key aspects of this project include the ‘M&A Transaction Information Network,’ which links companies looking to buy with those looking to sell, and offers support for due diligence and business valuation expenses for sellers engaged in M&A.

From March 26, the full implementation of the ‘Public-Private Partnership M&A Platform’ will result in the discontinuation of the ‘M&A Transaction Information Network’s’ brokerage function. Instead, it will shift focus to delivering key information to streamline efficient M&A brokerage tasks. This network will be rebranded as the ‘M&A Information Network’ and will provide educational materials on M&A-related laws, contracts, taxation, accounting, due diligence, business valuation, and both domestic and international M&A activities. The reorganization is set to be complete by the end of June.

Additionally, the project will assist with M&A business valuation costs for selling companies. To help reduce the financial strain of M&A expenses, especially for smaller SMEs and venture businesses, MSS will cover a portion of the fees for business valuation incurred during transactions.

Eligibility for this support includes SMEs and startups with annual revenues of up to KRW 40 billion that have entered into M&A consulting agreements with registered consulting firms or M&A partners listed on the ‘M&A Information Network’ or the ‘Public-Private Partnership M&A Platform.’ SMEs may receive support covering 40% of valuation fees, up to a maximum of KRW 15 million, while startups may get up to 60% of the fees covered, with a ceiling of KRW 20 million.

Applications for this financial support are open on the ‘M&A Information Network’ website starting March 26, and the application process may close early if funds are depleted.

KIM Bong-deok, Director General for Venture Policy, stressed the importance of M&A in boosting the competitiveness of SMEs and startups, promoting a healthy cycle of venture capital recovery. He highlighted ongoing enhancements to the M&A Enhancement Support Project and the establishment of the Public-Private Partnership M&A Platform to bolster this effort.