Following the integration among upstream LED manufacturers in Taiwan, such as the merger between Epistar and FOREPI and Cree’s investment in Lextar, Genesis Photonics Inc. (GPI) has become the second largest LED die supplier in Taiwan, according to a UDN report. Since Chicony became GPI’s largest shareholder, GPI’s financial performance has gradually improved, and has recently completed raising NT $1.0 billion (US $300 million) funding.

Taiwanese LED epiwafer manufacturers are being horizontally integrated, which led to diminished upstream Epiwafer manufacturers. Recent mergers between second largest Taiwanese LED manufacturer FOREPI and Epistar, followed by Cree’s investment in Lextar has made GPI the largest benefactor in the recent industry restructure.

When Cree invests in Lextar, Osram and Philips will question Lextar’s role, said Epistar Chairman B.J. Lee. Additionally, U.S. LED lighting manufacturer GE and Home Depot are Cree’s main competitors, therefore once it becomes clear that Lextar is an ally of Cree, other competing manufacturers will transfer orders. Taiwanese independent chip suppliers Epistar and GPI are expected to gain from these changes.