KKR & Co. to Reduce Stake in Newly Listed Kokusai Electric
Private equity firm KKR & Co. is planning to divest nearly half of its holding in the recently listed Japanese semiconductor equipment manufacturer, Kokusai Electric Corp. The information comes from sources familiar with the matter. The company’s shares have seen a significant surge, more than tripling in value since their market debut in October.
Currently, KKR possesses approximately 43% of Kokusai’s shares. This strategic move follows a dramatic increase in investor interest in technologies related to artificial intelligence, particularly those involving hardware and infrastructure. The growing demand in these areas has significantly benefited the former Hitachi Ltd. operations, adding to the appeal of Kokusai Electric in the stock market.
No comments have been made by KKR or Kokusai Electric regarding this imminent sale. The developments reflect broader trends within the technology and investment landscapes where companies linked to AI advancements are seeing unprecedented popularity.