Electronics

Osram illuminates flaw in German takeover laws

11 Oct 2016

A potential Chinese bid for the lighting group is feeding concern about foreign tech takeovers. No national interest is at stake here and domestic ownership was no bar to job cuts. Other deals may be more ambiguous. Germany lacks a proper framework to address future challenges.

Chips power Samsung and activist case for change

7 Oct 2016

The tech giant shrugged off the impact of its Note 7 fiasco in its quarterly results, thanks to growth in chips. Yet investors undervalue this and other exciting units based on a near 50 pct discount to the sum of its parts. It boosts Elliott's call for the Lee family to act.

Activist attack gives Samsung cover to restructure

6 Oct 2016

Activist fund Elliott is picking on the South Korean group again. This time it wants Samsung Electronics to split in two and pay a special dividend. Yet the proposal would also strengthen the ruling Lee family's control. Samsung may actually gain by cooperating with Elliott.

Elliott puts Asia Inc on notice

6 Oct 2016

The feisty U.S. hedge fund has done a lot to establish activism in Asia, with a number of big wins. Now it wants a radical restructuring at Samsung. The move cements Elliott's reputation for taking on powerful targets and is a strong incentive for Asia's tycoons to behave better.

Renesas programs model outbound Japan deal

13 Sep 2016

The world's No. 3 chipmaker has agreed to buy U.S. peer Intersil for $3.2 bln. Unusually for a Japanese buyer, Renesas has large, clear synergy targets. These are mostly based on higher sales but if achieved, would more than cover the deal's near-$1 bln premium.

Samsung’s next leader faces two big challenges

11 Aug 2016

Heir apparent Jay Y. Lee is up against public mistrust and political uncertainty as he reshapes South Korea's top conglomerate. Fundamental questions of future growth also loom over the empire founded by his grandfather. How Lee navigates the two issues will determine his legacy.