Samsung is a well-known technology company based in Seoul, South Korea. The multinational is best known for its electronic and media devices including mobile smartphones, tablets and home appliances including televisions, cookers and fridge. In 2017, Samsung was ranked number 6 in the list of global brand value.

Samsung operates roughly 80 affiliate companies, each specialising in different areas of electronics, financing, medical services, ship building and construction. As a result, it is the largest conglomerate in South Korea contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth, with roughly a fifth of exports and 17% of GDP; subsequently, Samsung shares remain very much in demand amongst institutional investors and remains a major fund constituent.

Samsung’s affiliates and subsidiary companies include Samsung Electronics, the biggest information technology company in the world and a leading producer of consumer electronics and chip-makers. Shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries, was ranked number 2 in the world in 2010. There is also both Samsung Engineering and Samsung C&T, both lucrative construction businesses.

The group also has diverse investments including life insurance, the oldest theme park in South Korea called Samsung Everland and one of the biggest advertising agencies in the world; Cheil Worldwide.

Founded in 1938 by Lee Byung-chul, Samsung began by growing into areas like textiles, insurance and retail. Much of its growth, however, is attributed to its entry into electronics in the 1960s and both construction and shipbuilding in the 1970s, areas it still has strong interests in today.

In 1983, after the founder’s death, Samsung split its operations into four divisions; the Samsung Group, CJ Group, Hansol Group and the Shinsegae Group. In 2010 Samsung announced a 10 year strategy plan around 5 businesses including biopharmaceuticals.

In 2012, Samsung  became the world’s biggest mobile phone maker by units sold, overtaking Nokia which had been market leaders since 1998. By 2015, Samsung had been granted more US patents than any other company, including tech peers and competitors IBM, Google, Sony, Microsoft and, now arch rival, Apple. Samsung shares are listed on the Korea Stock Exchange (main listing).