Murata, a globally renowned manufacturer of electronic components, has recently undergone significant adjustments in its battery business. On June 16, 2025, Murata announced the transfer of its miniature primary battery business to Maxell, with the transaction expected to be completed within the 2025 fiscal year. The business being transferred includes button-type manganese dioxide lithium batteries, silver oxide batteries, and alkaline button batteries, all of which were originally acquired from Sony in 2017.

I. Development of Murata's Business

In October 2016, Murata reached an agreement with Sony to acquire its battery business for 17.5 billion yen. This acquisition included Sony's battery operations in Japan, as well as manufacturing facilities in China and Singapore. Through this deal, Murata gained Sony's technological expertise and market share in the battery field, thereby expanding its business footprint in the battery sector.

After acquiring Sony's battery business, Murata integrated it into its own business system and gradually enhanced its competitiveness in the battery business through technological innovation and market expansion. However, in recent years, with changes in the market environment and the development of technology, Murata has begun to reassess its business layout.

II. Reasons for the Transfer of Miniature Primary Battery Business

● Strategic Focus

Murata plans to allocate more operational resources to its cylindrical lithium-ion secondary battery business, with a focus on the electric tool market and the Energy Storage System (ESS) market. By concentrating on secondary battery business, Murata aims to further enhance its competitive edge in these areas to cope with the increasingly fierce market competition.

● Market and Technological Trends

With the rapid development of new energy technologies, lithium-ion secondary batteries have broad application prospects in fields such as energy storage and electric tools. In contrast, the market demand for miniature primary batteries is relatively stable but has limited growth potential. Therefore, transferring the miniature primary battery business to Maxell will not only help Murata concentrate resources on more promising business areas but also ensure the continued development of the miniature primary battery business under a specialized operator.

III. Maxell's Business Layout and Strategic Significance

Maxell is a manufacturer specializing in batteries and related electronic components, with a business scope covering batteries, functional component materials, optical components, and more. In recent years, Maxell has been business seeking expansion and technological upgrades to enhance its competitiveness in the battery market.

The acquisition of Murata's miniature primary battery business will significantly expand Maxell's product line, enabling it to cover a broader market. Moreover, Murata's miniature primary battery business has a relatively high profit margin (approximately 10%), which will help boost Maxell's overall profitability and market competitiveness. Additionally, Maxell plans to leverage Murata's technology and experience to develop new generations of battery products, further consolidating its market position in high-end automotive and medical sensor fields.

IV. Outlook and Conclusion

As new energy technologies continue to advance, the battery industry will face new opportunities and challenges. The strategic adjustments made by Murata and Maxell reflect the flexibility and foresight of companies in responding to market changes. In the future, battery companies will need to continuously innovate in technological research and development, market expansion, and resource integration to adapt to the rapidly changing market demands.

In summary, the transfer of Murata's miniature primary battery business to Maxell is an important decision made by both parties based on their own strategic adjustments and changes in market demand. This move will not only help Murata concentrate resources on the more promising lithium-ion secondary battery business but also provide Maxell with opportunities for business expansion and technological upgrades. In future market competition, both parties are expected to achieve sustainable development and promote further development in the battery industry through their respective strategic layouts.

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