On July 5, MLS announced in an external investment notice that its German subsidiary, LEDVANCE GmbH, plans to acquire a stake of 18.7722% in Bridgelux (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Bridgelux”) for approximately CNY 256 million from Epistar, using either its own funds or self-raised capital.

Bridgelux, formerly known as KAISTAR (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., was established in 2011 with a registered capital of CNY 300 million. The company positions itself as a leading player in the LED patent device industry and a major supplier of semiconductor power devices.

Bridgelux’s business covers R&D, manufacturing, and sales of LED epitaxial chips, packaging (SMD, COB), phosphors, power devices, and lighting modules. It owns two internationally recognized LED brands—Bridgelux and Intematix. In 1Q24, the company recorded revenue of approximately CNY 448 million and a net profit of about CNY 11.04 million.

LEDVANCE GmbH, founded on August 6, 2015, primarily engages in the development and manufacturing of luminaires, lighting equipment, and optoelectronic products. Upon completion of the transaction, LEDVANCE GmbH will hold an 18.7722% stake in Bridgelux, becoming its third-largest shareholder.

MLS stated that the acquisition will deepen the company’s collaboration with Bridgelux in technical synergy, supply chain integration, and market coordination, enhancing the technological content and competitiveness of its products and laying a solid foundation for sustainable development.

Indeed, MLS and Bridgelux have maintained a close capital relationship over the years.

As early as July 20, 2015, KAISTAR’s subsidiary Puhuarui signed an agreement with FORTIS ADVISORS LLC to acquire 100% of U.S.-based Bridgelux for USD 130 million. This acquisition allowed KAISTAR to indirectly control Bridgelux’s patents and technology by owning the U.S. entity.

In September 2015, MLS announced an CNY 180 million investment in KAISTAR, acquiring a 10.91% stake.

At the time, MLS highlighted in its announcement that Bridgelux USA held over 750 global patents in LED chip and packaging technologies and had cross-licensing agreements with Cree (CREE.O). Its high-power, high-brightness LED packaging technologies rivaled those of Cree, Philips, and Citizen, significantly boosting MLS’ brand influence.

In June 2016, MLS injected an additional CNY 300 million into KAISTAR, increasing its shareholding to 25.50%.

Currently, MLS is the fourth-largest shareholder of Bridgelux, holding 17.3369%. After combining the newly acquired 18.7722% stake by LEDVANCE GmbH, MLS’total stake in Bridgelux will increase to 36.1091%.

Post-transaction, MLS is expected to better explore overseas markets, leveraging Bridgelux China’s patent advantages and LEDVANCE’s established overseas channels and brand influence to further strengthen its global competitiveness.

(Photo credit: MLS)

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