SK Group has announced plans to sell its semiconductor specialty gas subsidiary, SK Specialty, to South Korean private equity firm Hahn & Company. The move is part of SK’s broader strategy to streamline operations and invest in high-growth areas like artificial intelligence, batteries, and semiconductors. SK Specialty, a global leader in the production of gases critical for semiconductor manufacturing, recorded sales of 681.7 billion won (about $524.3 million) last year.
SK Group’s decision to divest non-core assets aligns with its plan to reduce debt and raise capital. The sale of SK Specialty, which could be valued at close to 4 trillion won ($3 billion), is expected to significantly bolster the group’s financial position, potentially reducing SK’s debt burden of 12.4 trillion won.
This sale follows other recent divestitures, including SK Rent-a-Car and WinCommerce, underscoring SK’s commitment to reshaping its portfolio. While retaining a minority stake in SK Specialty for potential synergies, SK aims to finalize the deal by year-end, with a focus on maintaining employment stability for SK Specialty’s workforce.
