IMI exits German manufacturing sector
MANILA, Philippines — Ayala-backed Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI) is stepping away from Germany-based Via Optronics Holding as the group intends to focus on core businesses following a profit rebound in the January to September period.
The manufacturing arm of the Ayala Group on Friday said the company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Coöperatief IMI Europe U.A., had sold its 50.32 percent stake in Via Optronics to Kronen 3140 GmbH.
The acquiring group is owned by some members of Via’s management and advisory team.
IMI is set to receive an upfront payment of 250,000 euros (P17 million) before the deal is finalized.
Established in 2015, Via Optronics is a provider of interactive display systems and solutions. IMI acquired a controlling stake in the German company in 2016.
READ: IMI buys German optical bonding firm VIA
“The parties have agreed to a consideration structure with both fixed and postclosing variable earn-out components,” it said in a stock filing.
Portfolio realignment
According to the group, the decision was part of its broader push for portfolio realignment, as it aims “to sharpen the company’s focus on its core strengths in the automotive and industrial EMS (electronic manufacturing services) sectors.”
“The move also supports the optimization of IMI’s global footprint to concentrate capital and management allocation into high-growth, high-profitability markets,” it added.
IMI said its exit from Via would also pave the way for the latter to get “strategic partners that better align with the company’s long-term growth and profitability goals.”
In June, the firm also exited from its Czech Republic business to slash losses.
READ: Cost-cutting forces Ayala’s IMI to exit Czech Republic biz
Following improved operational efficiency, IMI swung back to profitability in the first nine months of 2025. It booked a profit of $16.4 million, a reversal from $1.1 million losses a year ago.
The company’s core net income reached $16.4 million, “a significant turnaround” from a net loss of $1.1 million reported in the same period a year ago. Its revenues hit $749 million during the first three quarters.
Core earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, meanwhile, stood at $49.8 million. INQ
