April 11, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — Japanese component maker MinebeaMitsumi is set to launch a friendly tender offer worth JPY 70 billion ($460 million) for Shibaura Electronics, a global leader in precision thermistor sensors, aiming to block a rival bid from Taiwan’s Yageo.

Shibaura specializes in high-accuracy temperature sensors critical to EVs, hybrid vehicles, industrial robotics, and wind turbines. In fiscal 2023, the company held a 13.5% global market share with JPY 32.4 billion in revenue. Its innovations include the world’s first thermistor capable of measuring up to 1,000°C.

MinebeaMitsumi, which does not currently manufacture thermistors, views Shibaura as a strategic fit to expand its sensor portfolio and leverage its existing automotive customer base. If successful, the deal would lead to Shibaura’s delisting and full integration into MinebeaMitsumi.

The acquisition also reflects MinebeaMitsumi’s intention to keep Shibaura’s advanced sensor technologies under Japanese control, amid growing concerns over the outflow of critical technologies. A joint press conference is expected as early as April 10.

Yageo, meanwhile, remains committed to its earlier bid of JPY 4,300 per share (over JPY 65 billion in total), announced in February. It plans to proceed with the tender offer on May 7, even without board approval. Initial in-person talks between Yageo and Shibaura took place on April 2, but Shibaura has not yet publicly responded to either proposal.

MinebeaMitsumi has aggressively pursued acquisitions in recent years, including U-Shin and Hitachi’s power semiconductor unit, reinforcing its position in key automotive and industrial component sectors.