The merger of Lextar and Wellypower, two LED subsidiaries of AU Optronics (AUO), will be completed on February 1, 2013.
Industry sources noted that the pre-merger restructuring has been completed and effects will show in March, as February is a traditional low season with fewer working days. In addition, demand is expected to return steadily starting from the end of first-quarter 2013, therefore, the new Lextar's second-quarter revenues are expected to show sequential growth.
The new Lextar is expected to add new customers such as Japan-based TV makers and China-based panel firms for its LED backlight business in 2013. In addition, the firm is expected to have new customers from Europe, the US, and Japan for its lighting products. Market observers believe the three major Japan-based lighting brands, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Mitsubishi, are all Lextar's customers.
Lextar's 2012 consolidated revenues were NT$10.056 billion (US$345 million). After the merger, the new Lextar hopes its 2013 consolidated revenues will reach NT$20 billion, comparable to industry leaders such as Epistar and Everlight.
