Samsung VC’s Europe visit could boost semiconductor and M&A opportunities

Samsung Electronics vice-chairman Lee Jae-Yong is expected to travel to Europe for business purposes during the lunar New Year holiday to enhance cooperation in the semiconductor business as well as pursue potential M&A opportunities.

According to South Korean media TheKoreaTimes, Lee is preparing to embark on such a trip this weekend during the Lunar New Year Holidays. He commented that he would be touring Europe late last year, but that tour was suspended due to the rapid spread of the Omicron version.

If the vice chairman’s visit to Europe is realistic, systems semiconductors are expected to become its main focus, as Samsung Electronics has pledged to become a global leader in the region by 2030. The company operates a Pyeongtaek plant in Texas and the U.S., which is expanding its production capacity.

During his last European visit in October 2020, Lee visited ASML headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and met with CEO Peter Wenink and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Martin van den Brink to discuss cooperation plans.

Subsequently, Lee opened the door to Samsung Electronics to obtain reservations for ultraviolet (EUV) devices. Lee also has the opportunity to discuss M&As on a large scale in Europe.

Samsung Electronics’ cash reserves exceed 100 trillion won, and analog semiconductor companies such as NXP in the Netherlands, Infinite Technologies in Germany and STMicroelectronics in Switzerland are the most likely candidates for M&A. In addition, Vice Chairman Han’s trip to Europe after CES will add to the significance of Lee’s trip to Europe this week.