Samsung Electronics - Korea's largest electronics maker - said it plans an initial public offering of its shares in the US late next year or in 2002 as it seeks to achieve a global financial presence to match its internationally recognized brand name. The company has formed a task force to examine whether to apply to the technology-heavy Nasdaq exchange or to the main New York Stock Exchange. It wants to ensure it is in compliance with all listing requirements and other corporate governance obligations before applying to either.