Mitsui Chemicals announced plans to acquire JSR from government-backed fund JIC. Together with DBJ, it plans to invest a total of ¥1.84 trillion, in what is expected to be one of the largest M&A deals in Japan's chemical industry.
On 9 November, Mitsui Chemicals announced that it would acquire JSR, a major semiconductor materials maker. The acquisition will involve ¥1.84 trillion in funding together with Development Bank of Japan (DBJ), making it one of the largest transactions in Japan's history involving JSR, which is under JIC.
The transaction is seen as a growth strategy centred on large-scale investment in areas where Japan has strong global competitiveness in semiconductor materials, while some observers believe the financial burden will be substantial and that the path to returning the business to a growth trajectory will be difficult.
At the same time, the deal is attracting attention as an effort to defend and expand Japan's position in the domestic semiconductor materials market against the backdrop of the rise of Chinese companies and intensifying competition in advanced semiconductor development. Through the acquisition, Mitsui Chemicals is expected to secure globally competitive materials and strengthen its supply structure.
The acquisition is expected to attract market attention as one of the largest deals in Japan's chemical industry. Further reports are awaited on changes in the financial balance and the post-integration growth strategy.