NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. recently announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all the shares of each of CAIRE Inc. in the U.S., Chart BioMedical Ltd. in the UK and Chart BioMedical (Chengdu) Co., Ltd. in China from certain subsidiaries of Chart Industries, Inc. As NGK Spark Plug’s seventh medium-term management plan is currently underway, the company is promoting “Accelerating Current & New Businesses” as a fundamental policy. The company will reportedly continue to develop core technology cultivated in existing automobile-related businesses and technical ceramics-related businesses while investing resources for product development in three market areas where growth is expected: environment and energy, next-generation automobile and medical.

In the medical sector, the company has reportedly been developing its implant and oxygen concentrator equipment businesses. In the past, NGK Spark Plug has expanded and invested in its implant business through strategic cooperation and M&A. Similarly, the company has reportedly been evaluating the expansion of its medical use oxygen concentrator sales to overseas markets. NSGK Spark Plug has been developing and selling medical use oxygen concentrator products in Japan since 1999. According to the company, increasing demand for portable oxygen concentrators led it to consider ways to effectively address the demand. 

The acquired companies and their subsidiaries are reportedly leaders in oxygen-related products across the respiratory industry, with oxygen concentrators as their core business. These companies’ products also include liquid oxygen systems and oxygen generation systems used in hospitals and other institutions. 

Additional details are available at www.ngkntk.co.jp/english.