Toshiba switches preferred bidder

Sep 14, 2017 | News On Japan

Sep 14, 2017 (NHK) - Toshiba has decided to re-engage US private-equity firm Bain Capital as the preferred bidder in the sale of its chip unit.

Board members at the embattled electronics firm held a meeting on Wednesday. They say they have signed a memorandum of understanding with Bain.

Toshiba officials originally settled on a group that included Bain as their preferred bidder in June.

They later changed their minds and last month they entered into close talks with their US partner, Western Digital. But the 2 sides have been unable to reach an agreement on the stake the US company would take.

In the meantime, Bain submitted a revised offer that more closely reflects the Japanese firm's wishes.

Bain's initial plan was to create a consortium that included Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, or INCJ, a Japanese public-private fund. South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix was also expected to participate by extending loans to the group.

However under the new plan, Bain Capital will acquire 49.9 percent of Toshiba Memory while Toshiba itself will retain 40 percent. SK Hynix remains part of the team.

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