Once a symbol of Japan’s technological prowess, Toshiba, a key player in the electronics industry, has officially delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange, marking the conclusion of a 74-year history. The downfall of Toshiba began in 2015 when accounting irregularities surfaced, revealing a seven-year period during which the company had overstated its profits by $1.59 billion.
As the scandal unfolded, top management became entangled in the malpractices, leading to a severe dent in Toshiba’s reputation. In 2020, additional accounting discrepancies were uncovered, further tarnishing the company’s image. Corporate governance issues and allegations of colluding with Japan’s trade ministry to suppress foreign investors’ interests exacerbated Toshiba’s woes, contributing to a broader loss of confidence in Japan’s stock market.
In 2016, Toshiba faced a substantial blow when its US unit, Westinghouse Electric, filed for bankruptcy after acquiring a nuclear power plant led to over $6 billion in liabilities. Toshiba was compelled to sell off various businesses, including mobile phones, medical systems, and white goods, to offset financial strains.
A pivotal moment it had arrived when Toshiba had to put its chip unit, Toshiba Memory, up for sale. While it secured a $5.4 billion cash injection in 2017, the move empowered activist shareholders, resulting in prolonged battles over the company’s direction.
Amid debates about splitting into smaller entities, Toshiba explored the possibility of going private. By June 2022, eight buyout proposals were received, culminating in a takeover by a consortium of Japanese investors, spearheaded by the state-backed Japan Investment Corp (JIC), for $14 billion earlier this year.
As Toshiba navigates this transition, its outgoing chairman emphasized a strategic focus on high-margin digital services under the new ownership. Led by Japan Investment Corp, which has a track record of successfully carving out businesses from major manufacturers, the stakes are high for Toshiba’s revival. With around 106,000 employees and critical operations tied to national security, the company’s trajectory under new ownership will be closely monitored as it seeks to reinvent itself in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation.
