Murata Manufacturing Plans Acquisitions Exceeding $665 Million Over Three Years
The world's leading producer of MLCCs announces plans for acquisitions totaling more than $665 million alongside major capital spending commitments.
Murata Manufacturing Outlines Ambitious Acquisition Strategy
Murata Manufacturing, the world's leading producer of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), announced in February 2025 that it is planning acquisitions totaling more than JPY 100 billion ($665 million) over the next three years. CEO Norio Nakajima outlined the strategy as part of the company's effort to diversify beyond its core passive components business and position itself for growth in next-generation electronics markets.
Dual Investment Approach: Organic and Inorganic Growth
The Kyoto-based company is simultaneously committing JPY 680 billion in capital spending over the same period to expand manufacturing capacity at factories in Japan and Thailand. The dual investment approach, combining organic capacity expansion with inorganic growth through acquisitions, reflects Murata's assessment that the electronics components industry is entering a period of structural transformation driven by artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and advanced telecommunications.
Dominant Market Position and Expansion Targets
Murata currently commands approximately 40% of the global MLCC market, with its components used in virtually every category of electronic device from smartphones and laptops to automotive systems and industrial equipment. However, the company has identified several adjacent markets where it sees opportunities for M&A-driven expansion, including:
- Sensor technologies
- Power management semiconductors
- Connectivity modules
Responding to Competitive Pressure
The acquisition strategy also responds to growing competitive pressure from Asian rivals, particularly Samsung Electro-Mechanics and Chinese manufacturers that have been rapidly expanding their MLCC production capabilities. By acquiring companies with complementary technologies, Murata aims to maintain its technological leadership and pricing power in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Industry Consolidation Ahead
Industry analysts view Murata's acquisition plans as a sign of broader consolidation ahead in the global electronic components industry. As end-market demand becomes more concentrated around AI infrastructure, automotive electrification, and 5G/6G telecommunications, component makers are increasingly seeking to build scale and diversify their product portfolios through M&A.
The announcement positions Murata as one of the most active potential strategic acquirers in Japan's technology sector over the coming years, alongside companies like Sony, Renesas Electronics, and Tokyo Electron.
