March 11, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — SK Keyfoundry has announced its acquisition of a 98.59% stake in SK Powertech from SK Inc. for KRW 25 billion. The transaction, expected to be completed in the first half of this year pending regulatory approval, strengthens SK Keyfoundry’s position in the compound semiconductor market, particularly in SiC power semiconductors.

SK Keyfoundry, a dedicated 8-inch wafer foundry, was spun off from Magnachip Semiconductor in September 2020 and became a subsidiary of SK Hynix in August 2022.

SK Powertech, formerly Yes Power Technics, was acquired by SK Inc. in 2022 and is known for its expertise in SiC power semiconductor design and manufacturing. SiC devices are gaining traction due to their durability and efficiency, making them ideal for high-power and high-temperature applications such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. According to Omdia, the global SiC semiconductor market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 31%, reaching $23 billion by 2030.

Amid the rising utilization of 8-inch wafer foundries, this acquisition presents a strategic opportunity for SK Keyfoundry to enhance its competitiveness. By integrating SK Powertech’s SiC technology with its mass production expertise, SK Keyfoundry aims to create significant synergies. The company stated, “This acquisition reinforces our competitiveness in next-generation compound semiconductors and accelerates SK Keyfoundry’s transformation into a dedicated power semiconductor foundry.”

Power semiconductors are critical for energy conversion and management across applications such as electric vehicles, industrial machinery, and communication networks. This acquisition not only strengthens SK Keyfoundry’s presence in the SiC market but also aligns with its long-term strategy to expand its power semiconductor business.