Japan Kyocera Corporation (Kyocera Corporation) has signed an equity transfer agreement with NEC Corporation to acquire all shares of Showa Optronics, a manufacturer of optical components under NEC's name.
After the equity transfer is completed, Kyocera will own 93.53% of the shares of Showa Optoelectronics; Showa Optoelectronics will start operating as a subsidiary of Kyocera on June 1, 2020, and the company name is Kyocera Showa Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. (KSO).
Kyocera's optical parts business has been committed to producing a variety of lenses from small to large diameters using a variety of materials. Since Kyocera entered the business in 1983, its optical products have been used in various fields such as automotive, office and factory automation equipment, and medical equipment.
Kyocera expanded its business in 2016 by acquiring Japan's Melles Griot KK, which produces large-diameter and high-precision lenses for factory automation equipment. The company is expanding its production capacity to meet growing demand.
It is reported that Showa Optoelectronics has been targeting high value-added markets since it began operations in 1954, including space-related products, semiconductor manufacturing equipment (such as exposure equipment) and DNA analysis medical equipment. Its core technologies include ultra-precision lens polishing and high protection And low-loss film formation and lasers with excellent stability.
The acquisition of Showa Optoelectronics by Kyocera aims to expand its product portfolio in the laser market, maximize the synergy by combining the technologies of the two companies, and use its global sales network and production facilities to further expand its optical component business, thereby Become a leading optical component company.