Denso May Drop Bid to Acquire Chipmaker Rohm

Japanese auto parts giant Denso Corporation is reconsidering its plan to acquire semiconductor firm Rohm Co., with the possibility of withdrawing its bid, according to a report by Kyodo News.

Denso and Rohm had earlier agreed in May 2025 to cooperate in the semiconductor sector. (Photo: Rohm Mechatech Co., Ltd.)

Sources familiar with the matter said the move could hinge on Denso’s ability to secure Rohm’s support for the transaction.

If the bid is withdrawn, consolidation in Japan’s power semiconductor sector could instead center on potential merger talks involving Rohm, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Toshiba Corporation.

Denso’s acquisition proposal, first made in February, aimed to strengthen its position in power semiconductors, a critical component in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Rohm President Katsumi Azuma said the proposal accelerated separate merger discussions with Mitsubishi Electric and Toshiba, which were announced in March.

Denso and Rohm had earlier agreed in May 2025 to cooperate in the semiconductor sector, according to The Mainichi Shimbun.