Rohm Proposes Strengthening Chip Tie-Up With Toshiba

Rohm has proposed strengthening a chip tie-up with Toshiba as international competition intensifies in the semiconductor industry.

The Japanese maker of chips and other electronics parts said Friday that it made the proposal to Tokyo-based private-equity firm Japan Industrial Partners to discuss various potential tie-ups in a wide range of operations, including development, production, sales, procurement and logistics for Toshiba’s overall semiconductor business.

A consortium led by Japan Industrial Partners took Toshiba private last year. Rohm participated in the takeover.

Rohm said nothing has been discussed or decided with Japan Industrial Partners and Toshiba.

The Japanese company said it aims to strengthen an existing production tie-up with Toshiba for power chips. The company intends to discuss a possible investment in Toshiba’s chip business at a later date, though that is outside the scope of the proposal this time, it said.