Samsung chief returns from Europe after likely talks on EV battery cooperation

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong returned Friday to Seoul from a business trip to Europe after likely holding meetings with European carmakers for discussions on cooperating in the field of batteries. Lee replied, "Yes," as he returned via Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul with Samsung SDI Co. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Choi Joo-sun when asked whether he had met with European automotive clients. Industry watchers speculate Lee likely met representatives from major German carmakers, including Mercedes-Benz, as Samsung Group aims to bolster its battery business through Samsung SDI. "We met with various clients (besides Mercedes-Benz as well)," Choi told reporters at the airport without elaborating on details. Samsung SDI, which currently counts BMW and Volkswagen among its major clients, is known to be in talks with Mercedes-Benz over the possible supply of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, according to industry sources. Lee, meanwhile, is widely expected to meet Lisa Su, the head of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Inc., next week in Korea.