From Yahoo Finance: 2025-03-26 21:40:00

JSR’s incoming CEO, Tetsuro Hori, plans to focus on restoring the company’s business performance and recovering the life science unit to improve financial results. The company’s recent financial performance has been poor, with a net loss of 22.2 billion yen in the six-month period ending September 30. Hori aims to return the business to profitability by March 2026.

Under outgoing CEO Eric Johnson, JSR was taken private by Japan Investment Corp (JIC) in a $6 billion deal. Johnson believed this move would free JSR from managing its foreign investor base, allowing the company to pursue sector deals. However, the transaction has been controversial, with doubts about JSR’s ability to reshape the sector significantly through deals.

Hori emphasized that any mergers and acquisitions (M&A) must have customer support and create value. He joined JSR as CFO in January and has a background in chipmaking equipment manufacturing. Hori aims to focus on improving the company’s performance before considering any potential sale of the life science unit.

Hidehito Takahashi, CEO of Resonac, expressed interest in being involved when JIC exits JSR, suggesting potential synergy. Hori mentioned that deals with Resonac could be considered if beneficial, but no discussions have taken place. The focus remains on improving business performance and returning to profitability.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: JSR’s incoming CEO signals focus on finances, retreat from sector M&A ambitions