SK Specialty. /Courtesy of Chosun DB

Hahn & Company (Hahn & Co.), South Korea’s largest private equity firm, announced today that it has signed definitive agreements with the SK Group to acquire SK Specialty(the Company), the world’s largest producer of specialty gases for the semiconductor and advanced display industries. Hahn & Co. will acquire 85% of the Company for approximately 2.7 trillion won(US$1.86 billion). The SK Group will retain a 15% stake in the Company.

SK Specialty is the global leader in the production of nitrogen trifluoride, tungsten hexafluoride, and other specialty gases which are essential raw materials in the manufacturing of semiconductors and advanced display panels.

This transaction further builds on Hahn & Co.’s track record of successfully acquiring Korean businesses that serve globally competitive industries and represents Hahn & Co.’s thirty-sixth acquisition in the country with transaction value in excess of $31 billion.

Scott Sang-Won Hahn, CEO of Hahn & Co., commented that “SK Specialty is a world-class business that supports critical products and services to some of the most promising companies globally. We are excited to propel the business to the next level in its global presence and competitiveness.”