SK Hynix buys Softeq in bid to improve flash

SK Hynix said yesterday it took over the firmware business unit of Softeq Development, a software developer based in Belarus, to strengthen its capacity to develop NAND flash memory.

The firmware, which is embedded in NAND flash controllers, increases the speed and stability of a product that contains flash memory. Demand is growing for its use in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablet PCs.

“This takeover will help us secure a pool of firmware experts and strengthen our competitiveness in NAND flash as well as enhance our global R&D capacity,” said an official from SK Hynix.

The Icheon, Gyeonggi-based company said it will establish a technology headquarters in Belarus to expand its research and development network and hire workers from Eastern Europe and Russia.

By moon gwang-lip[joe@joongang.co.kr]