KKR is reportedly evaluating a $5 billion acquisition offer for semiconductor and electronic equipment manufacturer ASMPT Ltd., following prior interest from other bidders. The American alternative asset management firm has proposed a non-binding preliminary plan to privatize ASMPT, which is currently listed in Hong Kong. This consideration is still in early stages and may not lead to a final deal. Other acquisition companies might also show interest in ASMPT.
After Bloomberg reported the news, ASMPT's stock price surged by 11.4%, marking the largest intraday gain since June of the previous year. Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASM International holds approximately 25% of ASMPT shares and activist investors have previously pressured the company to sell its stake.
Other investment firms and industry companies from Asia have also shown interest in acquiring ASMPT in the past.
Founded in 1975, ASMPT is a major global technology and equipment supplier, providing technology and equipment for manufacturing chips used in various products, from mobile phones to automobiles. The company employs nearly 11,000 people and operates in over 30 countries.
KKR has not commented on the matter, and ASMPT and ASM International have not yet responded to requests for comment.
