Hoya divests voice synthesis software unit to optimize resources

Hoya Corporation announced on September 5, 2025, its decision to divest its voice synthesis software business. This will be achieved through a simplified absorption-type company split, effective October 27, 2025, where the business will be succeeded by its wholly-owned subsidiary, ReadSpeaker Japan. Concurrently, shares of ReadSpeaker Japan, ReadSpeaker B.V., and ReadSpeaker Korea will be transferred to a special purpose company managed by Marunouchi Capital.

The company split is a simplified absorption-type, not requiring shareholder approval. As part of the split, ReadSpeaker Japan will issue 35 shares of common stock, all allocated to Hoya. This transaction aims to optimize the allocation of Hoya Group's management resources, following the business's growth since acquiring ReadSpeaker B.V. in 2017.

ReadSpeaker Japan's capital is JPY 72 million, with total assets of JPY 99 million as of March 31, 2025. The voice synthesis software business reported sales revenue of JPY 586 million for the fiscal year ended March 2025. The impact of this transaction on Hoya's consolidated financial results is expected to be minor.