Ams Osram's €114M sale to Ushio fuels its high-tech, sustainable reinvention
Ams Osram has sold its entertainment and industrial lighting division to Japan's Ushio for €114 million. The deal marks a major shift as the company exits traditional, lower-growth markets and focuses on high-tech, sustainable solutions. Proceeds from the sale will help reduce net debt and fund ongoing transformation efforts.
The move is part of a broader strategy to reinvent the business. New innovations, such as paper-based LED transport spools and an advanced 'Emergency Hub' system, signal a focus on high-tech, sustainable solutions that use light as both a data carrier and a sensor.
The sale to Ushio includes around 500 employees, production facilities in Berlin, and related patents. Ushio expects the acquisition to strengthen its market position, with a projected 25% revenue increase in this segment by the end of 2025. The company is set to become a leader in projectors and specialised entertainment lighting, according to its latest quarterly reports.
Ams Osram plans to use the €114 million to cut its net debt relative to adjusted EBITDA to below 2. This financial restructuring supports its transformation programme, which aims to improve competitiveness in emerging markets. The company is now targeting sectors where light functions as both a data carrier and a sensor.
Among its latest innovations, Ams Osram has introduced paper spools for transporting LED components. These replace conventional plastic reels, reducing weight by a third and slashing CO₂ emissions by roughly 80%. Despite the material change, production costs remain comparable to traditional plastic versions.
Another key development is the 'Emergency Hub', a system combining sensors, signalling technology, and lighting. Designed for smart buildings, urban infrastructure, and industrial automation, it detects smoke at early stages. Both the paper spools and the Emergency Hub represent Ams Osram's push to break from its historical legacy and embrace modern, sustainable technologies.
The sale of its lighting division and the launch of new products highlight Ams Osram's strategic pivot. By reducing debt and investing in high-growth areas, the company is positioning itself for a more competitive future. The shift also aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainability and smart technology integration.
