August 18, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — Japan’s MinebeaMitsumi has raised its takeover offer for Shibaura Electronics to ¥6,200 ($42) per share, matching the bid from Taiwan’s Yageo, as the two companies intensify their contest for the Japanese sensor maker.

Shibaura is a leading supplier of high-precision temperature sensors, or thermistors, widely used in electric vehicles, hybrid cars, industrial robots and wind turbines. These components are increasingly vital for next-generation semiconductor-related applications and renewable energy systems.

MinebeaMitsumi had earlier offered ¥5,500 per share to counter Yageo’s move but raised its bid as competition escalates. It has extended its offer deadline to August 28, while Yageo’s offer expires on August 18. The repeated extensions have turned the contest into one of the longest takeover battles in Japan’s market.

Yageo first disclosed its plan in February to acquire Shibaura as part of its push into the sensor sector. Founder and Chairman Pierre Chen highlighted Shibaura’s temperature sensor technology as critical for artificial intelligence and electric vehicle applications.

The bidding war underscores the strategic importance of sensors in the semiconductor supply chain. As AI and EV adoption accelerate, temperature sensors are becoming a focal point for component makers seeking long-term growth.