Rohm and Toshiba Plan to Merge Power Semiconductor Businesses Amid Denso's Acquisition Bid

According to informed sources, Japanese semiconductor manufacturers Rohm and Toshiba are in talks to integrate their power semiconductor businesses, with potential options including the formation of a joint venture. This move is seen as part of Rohm’s strategy to respond to a potential acquisition offer from Denso. Earlier, the Nikkei reported that Denso is considering acquiring Rohm at an estimated cost of approximately ¥1.3 trillion (about $8.2 billion). If Toshiba’s related business were included in the deal, the transaction’s complexity and cost would rise significantly. Rohm holds a technological edge in silicon carbide (SiC) automotive power semiconductors, while Toshiba focuses on silicon-based products and boasts a broad industrial customer base. According to Omdia data, in 2024 Toshiba and Rohm held global power semiconductor market shares of 2.6% and 2.5%, respectively—far behind market leader Infineon’s 17.4%—and both face mounting cost-driven competition from Chinese manufacturers.