Japan’s state-backed Japan Investment Corp (JIC) plans to sell semiconductor materials maker JSR to Mitsui Chemicals, in a deal that could total about 1.3 trillion yen ($8.2 billion), according to multiple reports citing unnamed sources.
The outlets say a decision could come within about a month. JIC acquired JSR for roughly 900 billion yen two years ago and had previously indicated it would use the business to drive consolidation in the semiconductor materials sector. The reported shift toward selling is attributed to higher valuations for chip-related firms amid a boom in AI investment. JSR makes photoresists used to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers.
Reuters is cited as identifying the buyer, while other outlets present the same core development: JIC’s planned sale to Mitsui Chemicals and the potential deal size. The reports also provide background on Mitsui Chemicals’ chip materials expansion and its financial position, along with context on JIC’s mandate and prior investments in Japan’s competitiveness.
