 |
Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Doosan has been selected as the preferred bidder for the sale of a controlling stake in SK Siltron, the world’s third-largest manufacturer of semiconductor wafers, marking a potential turning point in the group’s strategic transformation.
SK announced on December 17 that it has notified Doosan of its selection as the preferred negotiation partner in the sale process for SK Siltron.
SK Siltron is Korea’s only specialized manufacturer of semiconductor wafers, a core base material essential for semiconductor chips. The company ranks third globally in market share for 12-inch wafers.
The stake up for sale is believed to be SK’s 70.6% holding in SK Siltron. Based on estimates that value the company at around KRW 5 trillion, the transaction size is expected to be in the range of KRW 3–4 trillion.
SK Group has been pursuing the divestment of SK Siltron since early this year as part of a broader business portfolio restructuring. In June, five to six potential buyers, including domestic and overseas private equity firms, reportedly conducted preliminary due diligence on the company.
Negotiations entered a new phase in October after Doosan publicly stated that it was reviewing the potential acquisition of SK Siltron.
Following the selection of Doosan as the preferred bidder, the two sides are expected to begin negotiations toward a definitive acquisition agreement.
Industry observers note that an acquisition of SK Siltron by Doosan would represent more than a simple expansion of its affiliate base, signaling a fundamental shift in the group’s business structure toward advanced semiconductors, following its existing energy and machinery businesses.
If completed, the deal would enable Doosan to rapidly emerge as a key player in the semiconductor ecosystem, spanning both upstream and downstream segments, including equipment and materials.
In 2022, Doosan acquired Doosan Tesna, Korea’s leading semiconductor backend testing company. Since then, the group has reportedly been actively reviewing additional acquisitions to strengthen linkages across the semiconductor value chain.
Looking ahead, Doosan is expected to expand its semiconductor business around three pillars: Doosan Tesna, Doosan’s Electronics Business Group, and SK Siltron, should the acquisition be finalized.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
