Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong inspects the NRD-K cleanroom facility, an advanced integrated semiconductor research and development center at the company’s Giheung campus, on December 22. (Image courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
SEOUL, Dec. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung Electronics has stepped up its push into new growth sectors with its second billion-euro acquisition of the year, signaling a renewed appetite for large-scale dealmaking as it expands beyond its traditional strongholds.
The company said Tuesday that it had acquired the advanced driver-assistance systems business of Germany’s ZF Friedrichshafen for 1.5 billion euros, or about 2.6 trillion won, through its automotive subsidiary Harman.
The deal marks Samsung’s latest move to strengthen its position in automotive electronics, following earlier investments in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, or HVAC, and digital health care.
The acquisition is Samsung’s second trillion-won-plus deal this year. In May, the company agreed to buy Germany’s FläktGroup, an HVAC specialist, for the same price, completing that transaction last month.
Including smaller purchases in audio and medical technology, Samsung has completed four major acquisitions in 2025, underscoring a strategic shift toward sectors seen as long-term growth drivers.
A view of Samsung Electronics’ Seocho headquarters in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The recent burst of activity follows internal restructuring aimed at sharpening Samsung’s dealmaking capabilities. The company created a future business planning unit in 2023 to identify new growth opportunities and, earlier this year, set up a dedicated mergers and acquisitions team within its business support office.
Its consumer electronics division has also consolidated new-business planning functions to streamline strategy.
Analysts say the revival of large-scale acquisitions reflects the influence of Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who has taken a more visible role in global outreach since legal uncertainties surrounding him were resolved this summer.
Mr. Lee has logged an unusually active travel schedule, meeting potential partners across the United States, China, the Middle East and Europe.
During a recent trip to the United States, he held talks with technology leaders including Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk and AMD Chief Executive Lisa Su to explore cooperation in semiconductors and next-generation technologies.
On Monday, Mr. Lee visited Samsung’s chipmaking campuses in Giheung and Hwaseong, urging employees to “restore core technological competitiveness through bold innovation and investment,” a message that underscores the group’s determination to regain momentum through aggressive expansion into future-oriented industries.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
