Montage Technology - on July 15 on-site search and seizure commenced by fair trade investigation division at office of member of group in South Korea

On July 15, 2026, South Korean prosecutors conducted surprise raids on the South Korean offices of Montage Technology, Renesas Electronics, and Rambus as part of an investigation into suspected price-fixing in the memory interface chip market. The Fair Trade Investigation Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office is leading the probe, which centers on allegations that the three firms colluded on pricing when supplying memory interface chips to major clients such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Prosecutors seized mobile phones from relevant employees and are analyzing whether information was exchanged and how it may have influenced pricing decisions.

The three companies collectively control over 93% of the global memory interface chip market, with Montage Technology holding the largest share at 36.8%. These chips are essential for high-speed data transfer in servers and PCs, and demand has surged with the rise of AI-driven computing. Montage Technology reported strong financial performance in 2025, with revenue and net profit increasing by nearly 50% and 58%, respectively.

The investigation, initiated independently by prosecutors, could have significant implications for the industry, particularly if collusion is confirmed. Affected customers may seek compensation and adjust procurement strategies accordingly. Montage Technology has stated it is "looking into the situation," while Renesas Electronics and Rambus have not yet commented. The outcome of the probe will depend on the analysis of seized materials and the legal proceedings that follow.