#Japan #Tokyo #Microfluidics #Zeon Corporation #Ushio Electric

Zeon Corporation's Strategic Acquisition

In a pivotal move for the healthcare landscape, Zeon Corporation has announced the acquisition of Ushio Electric's microfluidics business. This transition was confirmed through a resolution and the signing of a business transfer agreement scheduled for December 22, 2025, with an anticipated completion date of February 1, 2026.

Expanding Horizons in Healthcare and Life Sciences

This acquisition aligns perfectly with Zeon's mid-term management plan, termed STAGE30, which focuses on creating new business opportunities in the growing sectors of healthcare and life sciences. By integrating Ushio Electric's advanced technologies and expertise, Zeon aims to accelerate innovation in these critical areas.

Ushio Electric is recognized for its high-level technical prowess, stemming from a foundation in optical technology. The company has developed a wide range of solutions, particularly notable for its unique bonding technology that utilizes 172nm vacuum ultraviolet light. This method enables the production of microfluidic chips that are adhesive-free, eliminating chemical leachables, which is a significant advancement for applications in drug discovery and diagnostics, such as Organs on Chip (OoC) technology.

Uniting Technologies for Innovative Solutions

Zeon’s proprietary Cyclo-Olefin Polymers, marketed under brand names like ZEONEX and ZEONOR, exhibit qualities such as low autofluorescence, high transparency, low adsorption, and minimal impurities. These characteristics have made them widely utilized in biochemical analysis applications, including biopharmaceutical containers, analytical devices, and microfluidic chips.

The merger of Zeon’s precision molding technology with Ushio's microfluidics expertise is expected to yield unprecedented innovations. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance the development of new tools, devices, and therapeutic solutions, further establishing Zeon as a leader in the drug discovery and diagnostics markets.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

As Zeon progresses into Phase 3 of its STAGE30 plan, a target has been set to increase the sales ratio of its growth sectors to 48% by 2028. This plan emphasizes a strategic realignment of business portfolios to focus resources on the four identified growth sectors: mobility, healthcare & life sciences, information communication, and green transformation (GX).

Through this targeted approach, Zeon is committed to contributing to a sustainable society by delivering indispensable products and services aimed at fostering a 'sustainable Earth' and enhancing 'safe and comfortable lifestyles' for people.

Conclusion

Overall, the acquisition of Ushio Electric’s microfluidics business marks a significant milestone for Zeon Corporation as it embarks on a journey to revolutionize healthcare technologies. By combining their strengths, both companies are poised to lead the charge in innovative solutions for the future, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable development and societal welfare.