Saudi Aramco’s Global Expansion Strategy: Evidence from Korea

Purpose: This case study illustrates the successful entry of Saudi Aramco in the Korean market and how it grows to become one of the world’s largest integrated energy enterprises. Research design, data and methodology: This case investigates diverse secondary sources to examine the entry strategy of Aramco in Korea, such as several interviews including public and anonymous dialogues, periodicals, dispatches (i.e. news articles and magazines), annual reports, industrial reports, and others. Results: The main concern for the international strategic approaching of Saudi Aramco is to enter into Korean market by joint venture with SsangYong Oil (today’s S-Oil Corporation) in 1991 and finally, ending by Acquisition of S-Oil in 2015. This acquisition of local No.3 company, S-Oil, in Korea is the successful case in Asian Markets overcoming liability of foreignness. Moreover, Saudi Aramco’s global distribution strategy through localization in the Korean market is appropriate given the market conditions, timing, effectiveness, and efficiency by sharing their resources and collaborating. Conclusions: It would be valuable, unique, and real story to analyze global leading company’s entry and globalization strategy in overseas market. In addition, this study provides decision-makers with a significant and more strategic implication for the overseas expansion of businesses.