Core Viewpoint - Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) has partnered with Unigroup Guoxin Microelectronics to establish a new automotive chip firm, Tongxin Micro Technology, in Beijing, marking a strategic expansion into the semiconductor industry [1][4]. Investment and Ownership Structure - Tongxin Micro, a subsidiary of Guoxin Micro, holds a controlling 51% stake in the new firm with an investment of 153 million yuan (approximately US$22 million), while CATL's Wending Investment has a 5% shareholding after investing 15 million yuan (approximately US$2.2 million) [2]. - Four employee stock platforms under Tsinghua Unigroup collectively own a 24% stake in Tongxin Micro Technology [3]. Business Acquisition and Valuation - The new entity is set to acquire the automotive domain controller chip business from Tongxin Micro for 193 million yuan (approximately US$28 million), reflecting an appraised appreciation rate of 3,723% based on the asset's book value [3]. Strategic Implications - Guoxin Micro emphasizes that partnering with CATL will enhance strategic ties with target customers in the automotive sector, which requires significant capital investment and a long investment cycle [4]. - The introduction of external investors allows the company to limit its losses to its equity stake in the new venture [4]. Broader Strategic Initiatives - CATL's recent strategic investments also include partnerships with AI chip developer Horizon Robotics, Shanghai-based SmartLogic, and power semiconductor firm Silicon Magic, indicating a broader focus on semiconductor technology [5]. - Additionally, CATL is involved in various initiatives, including the development of pure electric vessels, collaborations with BYD on battery technology, and partnerships with Sinopec Group and Nio for battery-swapping stations [6].