Japan's Strategic Move: Nationalizing Chip Firm and Investing Billions in Global Chip Wars
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Asia Times
The Japanese government-controlled Japan Investment Corporation (JIC) will acquire JSR, a leading producer of photoresists for the semiconductor industry, for $6.4 billion and delist it from the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The move aligns with Japan's efforts to comply with US restrictions on exporting high-end chips and chip-making equipment to China. The acquisition aims to eliminate the risk of foreign takeovers and interference in Japanese management decision-making, while also supporting Japan's strategic industry of semiconductors. The deal may hinder investor choice, disclosure of information, and free market economics, but JSR management sees it as the best strategic option for the company's stakeholders.