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Samsung takes over QD Vision in an M&A spree

Posted November. 24, 2016 07:11,   

Updated November. 24, 2016 07:32

한국어

Samsung Electronics will take over QD Vision, a U.S. concern that possesses quantum dot technology, after acquiring VIV Labs (artificial intelligence platform developer) and Harman (automotive electronics firm). The electronics giant of Korea is fast moving to purchase strong players in patents and network after Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong became a registered member of its board.

Before attending a meeting of its presidents at Samsung’s Seocho office in Seoul on Wednesday, Chung Chil-hee, president of Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, told reporters, “We have decided to take over (QD Vision’s) assets.” QD Vision was established by an MIT graduate, and possesses a number of patents for quantum dot fundamental technology.

QD Vision has supplied quantum dot film to Chinese electronics firm TCL. It signed an alliance with LG Display to jointly develop quantum dot technology in 2010 before developing quantum dot TV in collaboration with Sony in 2013. Samsung Electronics reportedly offered to pay 70 million U.S. dollars to take over QD Vision, and has been selected as a preferred negotiating partner.

The Korean business community says that Samsung Electronics, which has secured an adequate amount of funds through business restructuring and sell-off of affiliates since 2013, is stepping up its bid to purchase future growth engines. “The common denominator of the companies Samsung has recently purchased is that they are firms with strength in patent and network,” an electronics industry source said.



Ji-Hyun Kim jhk85@donga.com