Hitachi Weighs ¥100 Billion Sale of Domestic Appliance Unit, Samsung Said to Mull Bid

Hitachi Ltd. is exploring a sale of its Japan-focused appliance business in a transaction that could fetch about ¥100 billion (roughly US$650 million) or more, according to a report by Nikkei Asia published on 4 August. The publication said South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. is among companies considering a bid, though discussions remain preliminary and the final price could exceed the initial valuation. The unit, which markets refrigerators, washing machines and other household devices domestically, is part of Hitachi’s broader consumer and smart-home portfolio. A divestment would continue Hitachi’s strategy of sharpening its focus on digital infrastructure and industrial solutions while exiting non-core operations. Neither Hitachi nor Samsung has commented publicly on the potential deal.