Samsung Display Solutions announced that it had entered a definitive merger agreement with AR/VR display manufacturer eMagin. The deal was valued at ~USD 218 million, with eMagin shareholders receiving a premium of approximately 24% to eMagin’s six-month volume-weighted average price of USD 1.68.

By partnering with Samsung Display, eMagin aims to leverage their mass-production capabilities to bring OLED microdisplays to market. The merger will allow the company to scale production and improve product quality with access to resources and expertise provided by Samsung Display.

eMagin is the developer of an OLED microdisplay called “Direct Patterning Display” (DPD), which achieves high luminance without the use of color filters. The technology has the potential to replace LCDs in VR headsets, offering smaller size, improved energy efficiency, and high pixel density. The company’s microdisplays have been utilized in AR and VR displays, night vision goggles, and weapon systems.

Analyst QuickTake: The merger could potentially be leveraged for the development of new XR devices, as indicated by Samsung’s filing of patents for the Galaxy Glasses and Galaxy Ring. Additionally, Samsung partnered with Refract Technologies to develop XR gaming and social experiences in March 2023 , showcasing the companies focus on the XR sector.