Speaking recently about the process of consolidation in the market of memory manufacturers, Micron CFO explained that to his current state the three leading players in the segment RAM chips went nearly thirty years, and solid-state memory industry is roughly half his age, but even there the number of the largest owners of "know- how "it has limited five companies. After securing control over the assets recently SanDisk, American manufacturer of hard disk drives Western Digital Corporation has been actively spread in the range of SSDs. Product lines of the two manufacturers are actively integrated.
This week, as reported by Reuters, the Japanese media reported that Toshiba intent to sell 20% stake in its semiconductor business of Western Digital Corporation. The deal is estimated at approximately $ 2.7 billion. The interest in these assets are showing some US investment funds, according to Japanese sources.
Toshiba representatives were limited to comments on the finding of the various strategic alternatives for its business for the production of memory chips, including its office. However, no concrete decisions Toshiba has not yet accepted. This type of business forms a major part of the operating profit of the Japanese corporation. According to Japanese media, the deal with the sale of 20 percent stake of "semiconductor" Toshiba units may be issued as early as this semester. Being an important source of profits, business for the production of memory chips requires adequate financial investments, which may not suit the Japanese investors in the current situation At Toshiba and Western Digital Corporation already has a joint venture for the production of solid-state memory in Japan.