SK makes bold acquisition of wafer maker

South Korean conglomerate SK Holdings took a bold step to bolster its chip-making capabilities this week, announcing a W620 billion $530 million all-cash offer for a majority stake in silicon wafer manufacturer LG Siltron.

SK will take control of one of the most sought-after companies in the semiconductor industry after buying LG Corporation’s entire 51% stake in LG Siltron. The remaining 49% stake is split between local private equity funds Vogo Investment and KTB Private Equity.

LG Siltron has attracted plenty of interest from potential buyers in recent years amid a spate of consolidation among global wafer makers. This consolidation has been driven by a massive...