Global investment firm KKR has agreed to acquire 1.22 trillion won ( US$820 million ) of convertible bonds newly issued by Samsung SDS in a strategic partnership to support the Korean firm’s next phase of growth and long-term value creation.

The transaction makes KKR an active minority investor in the Seoul-based enterprise IT solutions provider.

The company, a member of Samsung Group, will use the investment, together with its existing resources, to strengthen its infrastructure and capabilities and reinforce its competitive position in key growth areas, including end-to-end AI transformation services.

Established in 1985, Samsung SDS delivers a comprehensive suite of services spanning cloud, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and logistics to a global customer base across industries.

As a core strategic priority, the company continues to expand its AI transformation business through sustained investments in AI infrastructure, platforms, and capabilities.

With approximately 26,000 employees and annual revenue of 14 trillion won, Samsung SDS combines scaled delivery capabilities with deep technical expertise to support its customers’ evolving needs for cloud adoption and digital transformation.

Samsung SDS president and chief executive officer Jun Hee Lee comments: “Through this strategic collaboration, we will actively explore a wide range of growth opportunities, including M&A, by leveraging KKR’s expertise accumulated in global capital markets. Through cooperation between the two companies, we will continue to work closely together to enhance Samsung SDS’ corporate value and strengthen its foundation for global growth.”

KKR is making the investment primarily from its Asia Fund IV. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.