Mitsui Chemicals to buy chip-materials maker JSR from state fund JIC for over $8.2bn, Nikkei reports
The deal, put at more than ¥1.3tn, would be the largest ever in Japan's chemicals sector; Mitsui Chemicals says nothing has been decided.
Why it matters
JSR makes photoresists, the light-sensitive chemicals used to pattern chips, and is a major supplier to leading chipmakers. The state-backed Japan Investment Corp. took it private in 2024 as part of Tokyo's push to consolidate the chip-materials industry and keep critical technology in Japanese hands. A sale to Mitsui Chemicals would move JSR back into private ownership while keeping it Japanese. The report comes from Nikkei sources; Mitsui Chemicals issued a statement on Wednesday saying no decision has been made, so the deal is not confirmed.
Key facts
- Deal value put at more than ¥1.3tn ($8.2bn)
- Would be the largest deal in Japan's chemicals sector
- JIC took JSR private in 2024
- Mitsui Chemicals says no decision has been made