Toshiba Corporation is a Japanese multinational conglomerate that manufactures electronic and electrical equipment. Founded in 1875, the company ranks among Japan’s oldest and most influential technology firms.
Toshiba operates across multiple segments including energy systems, infrastructure, electronic devices, and digital solutions. The company supplies power generation equipment, semiconductors, hard drives, and industrial machinery to customers worldwide.
After facing an accounting scandal and massive losses from its nuclear business, Toshiba was delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2023. A consortium led by Japan Industrial Partners now owns the company as it undergoes restructuring.
Toshiba History
Toshiba Co-founders
Toshiba Revenue
Toshiba generated approximately $34 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2024. The company’s revenue declined from peak levels following the divestiture of its memory chip and consumer electronics businesses.
Toshiba Competitors
Toshiba competes across multiple technology sectors including power systems, semiconductors, and infrastructure equipment. The company faces competition from both Japanese conglomerates and international electronics manufacturers.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Hitachi | Japan | Infrastructure, IT Systems |
| Sony | Japan | Electronics, Entertainment |
| Fujitsu | Japan | IT Services, Computing |
| Siemens | Germany | Energy, Infrastructure |
| General Electric | United States | Energy, Aerospace |
| LG Electronics | South Korea | Consumer Electronics |
| Sharp | Japan | Electronics, Displays |
| Panasonic | Japan | Electronics, Batteries |
| Mitsubishi Electric | Japan | Industrial Systems |
| NEC Corporation | Japan | IT, Telecommunications |
Toshiba Market Cap
Toshiba was delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange on December 20, 2023, ending 74 years as a publicly traded company. Prior to delisting, the company’s market capitalization stood at approximately JPY 1.99 trillion ($13 billion USD).
Toshiba Acquisitions
Toshiba pursued several major acquisitions to expand its technology portfolio and global reach. The company’s acquisition strategy focused on nuclear power, semiconductors, and consumer electronics markets across multiple decades.
The 2006 purchase of Westinghouse Electric Company represented Toshiba’s largest and most consequential acquisition. The company paid $5.4 billion for a 77% stake in the American nuclear reactor manufacturer, with partners Shaw Group and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries taking minority positions. This deal aimed to position Toshiba as a global leader in nuclear energy during an anticipated industry renaissance.
Westinghouse brought expertise in pressurized water reactor technology to complement Toshiba’s boiling water reactor capabilities. The combined entity won contracts to build AP1000 reactors in the United States and China. However, cost overruns at construction sites in Georgia and South Carolina led to massive losses and Westinghouse’s bankruptcy filing in 2017.
To cover losses from the nuclear business, Toshiba divested major business units. In 2017, the company sold its memory chip division to a Bain Capital consortium for $18 billion, creating Kioxia as an independent company. Sharp Corporation acquired Toshiba’s personal computer business for $36 million in 2018. Canon purchased Toshiba Medical Systems in 2016. Chinese appliance maker Midea Group bought an 80.1% stake in Toshiba’s home appliances division that same year.
Hisense acquired 95% of Toshiba Visual Solutions for $114 million in 2017, taking over the television business. These divestitures transformed Toshiba from a diversified conglomerate into a focused infrastructure and energy company. The restructuring aimed to stabilize finances following the accounting scandal and Westinghouse collapse.
FAQs
When was Toshiba founded?
Toshiba traces its origins to 1875 when Hisashige Tanaka founded Tanaka Engineering Works. The current company formed in 1939 through a merger.
Is Toshiba still a public company?
No, Toshiba was delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange on December 20, 2023. Japan Industrial Partners now owns the company as a private entity.
What does Toshiba manufacture?
Toshiba manufactures power generation systems, electronic devices, infrastructure equipment, and industrial machinery. The company divested consumer electronics and memory chips.
What happened to Toshiba’s nuclear business?
Toshiba acquired Westinghouse in 2006, but cost overruns caused bankruptcy in 2017. Brookfield Business Partners bought Westinghouse in 2018 for $4.6 billion.
Where is Toshiba headquartered?
Toshiba Corporation is headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The company maintains operations across Asia, North America, Europe, and other regions.