- Daramic business transfer to Kingswood Capital Management closed on December 1, 2025.
- Asahi Kasei acquired Daramic through Polypore purchase in August 2015.
- Focus on Hipore wet-process lithium-ion technology for automotive sectors in North America, Japan, and Korea.
- Exiting methyl methacrylate monomer and expanding Pimel photosensitive polyimide capacity.
Divestiture Details
Asahi Kasei has divested its Daramic lead battery separator business to Kingswood Capital Management, with the transfer finalized on December 1, 2025. This move is part of Asahi Kasei's strategy to realign its resources towards more promising growth areas.
Strategic Focus
The company aims to enhance its capabilities in the electronics sector and expand its lithium-ion battery separator business, particularly in North America. This strategic shift is expected to drive future profit growth.
Acquisition Background
Asahi Kasei initially acquired the Daramic business through its purchase of Polypore in August 2015. This acquisition included both the lead battery separator business and the Celgard dry-process lithium-ion battery separator business.
Future Investments
Moving forward, Asahi Kasei plans to invest in its Hipore wet-process lithium-ion technology, focusing on the automotive sectors in North America, Japan, and Korea. This investment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in the battery separator market.
Management Plan
Under its three-year medium-term management plan, "Trailblaze Together," Asahi Kasei is working to improve capital efficiency and accelerate earnings. The plan involves converting past growth investments into tangible returns and implementing structural reforms to support key growth areas.
Recent Actions
Recent strategic actions include exiting the methyl methacrylate monomer business and expanding capacity for Pimel photosensitive polyimide. These steps demonstrate Asahi Kasei's commitment to its strategic goals and lay the groundwork for sustained, profitable growth.
