Panasonic to sell autos business to Apollo Global-managed funds

JAPAN’S Panasonic said on Friday (Mar 29) it will sell its entire stake in Panasonic Automotive Systems (PAS) to funds managed by US private equity firm Apollo Global Management, and then make an investment in the new holding entity.

The transaction has a total enterprise value of 311 billion yen (S$2.8 billion), subject to adjustments at closing, which is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2025, Apollo said in a statement.

Panasonic said it will acquire a 20 per cent stake in Star Japan, the company which will own the new parent company of PAS. The automotive business will maintain its strategic relationship with Panasonic Group, Apollo said.

Panasonic has previously said the business could potentially be listed in the future.

Separately, Panasonic said its unit Blue Yonder would acquire US digital supply chain network supplier One Network Enterprises for US$839 million, expecting the deal to be completed in the July-September quarter of 2024. REUTERS