Merger & ACquisition
KKR completes its investment in LS Automotive
KKR has completed its investment in LS Automotive(“ LSA”), an electrical auto parts maker for the global automotive industry, and has completed the acquisition and carve-out of KCF Technologies Co., Ltd.(“ KCFT”), the copper foil and flexible copper clad laminate business formerly known as LS Mtron.
By leveraging KKR’ s expertise and global network, KKR’ s partnership with LSA and KCFT will accelerate the companies’ growth in domestic and overseas markets, help to penetrate new verticals, and increase sales in existing markets. Further, KCFT will leverage KKR’ s expertise in completing complex, strategic carve-outs from corporations worldwide and supporting these companies in operating as independent entities.
Established in 1973, LSA is a leading auto parts company in South Korea that has successfully established globally competitive positions in high-growth auto component segments including switches, interior lamps and human machine interface(“ HMI”) systems, and electrical and electronics components such as power seat modules, electrical control units, sensors and relays. LSA is the top Tier- 1 supplier of HMI components to Hyundai Kia Motors, as well as major global original equipment manufacturers(“ OEMs”) in the U. S. and Japan, and leading local OEMs in China and India.
KCFT manufactures and sells copper foils for large capacity lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicle(“ EV”) applications and mobile devices. The copper foil business for EV battery applications is expected to be among the fastest-growing segments of the auto industry due to rising demand for environmentally friendlier transportation. KCFT supplies global EV battery leaders including LG Chemical and major battery manufacturers in Japan and China.
KKR makes its investment from its US $ 9.3 billion KKR Asian Fund III.
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages multiple alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and, through its strategic manager partnerships, hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing worldclass people, and driving growth and value creation with KKR portfolio companies. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners’ capital and provides financing solutions and investment opportunities through its capital markets business.
About LS Automotive
Established in 1973, LS Automotive is a vehicle components manufacturer based in Korea with a global presence. In 2008, the company was acquired by LS Mtron as part of LS Group’ s efforts to further strengthen its competitiveness in auto components.
About KCF Technologies
Established in 1996 as a copper foil business segment of LG Metal, KCFT is a globally leading producer of copper foils and flexible copper clad laminate manufacturing business www. kkr. com
may 2018 Global MDA Journal 13