Thomson Reuters announced on March 30 that it has acquired LawnB, a South Korean online legal information and education provider.

Recent government reforms and a new legal education system, coupled with South Korea’s recently signed free trade agreements with the U.S. and Europe – which allow foreign law firms to set up offices in the country – have spurred demand for legal information and training for newly qualified legal professionals.

LawnB, on its part, is perfectly poised to address these demands. The outfit offers online legal information on cases, legislation, commentary, papers and forms to the South Korean legal community, in addition to online and offline legal courses ranging from single day courses to certification programmes.

“The acquisition of LawnB represents a key step in the expansion of Thomson Reuters in South Korea, a country which is at the forefront of technology and innovation in Asia, and is central to anchoring our presence in this expanding legal market,” said Klaus Pfeifer, managing director of Thomson Reuters North Asia, Legal.

“We are excited about this acquisition,” said Ki-Soon Ahn, LawnB’s Seoul-based president. “It presents a unique opportunity to enhance and grow our current offerings for customers, and expand our corporate vision.”

LawnB was established in November 2000 in Seoul. As a consequence of the acquisition, all its employees will now join Thomson Reuters and remain under the leadership of Ahn at the latter’s Seoul office. ALB

Kanishk Verghese is North Asia journalist at ALB. Follow her on Twitter: @ALB_Magazine.