MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - Wacker Chemie has reduced its stake in Siltronic more aggressively than initially planned. The chemical group announced on Wednesday in Munich that it had placed 2.1 million Siltronic shares at a price of 89.35 euros each. The transaction was originally slated for 1.8 million shares. Wacker generated gross proceeds of 188 million euros from the sale, which represented 7 percent of Siltronic's share capital. Both stocks retreated on the stock exchange following the news.

In the small-cap SDax index, Siltronic shares fell by 5.6 percent in morning trading, recently quoted at 91.55 euros. Despite this, their value has nearly doubled since the start of the year. Shares of Wacker Chemie, listed on the mid-cap MDax, traded 1.8 percent lower at mid-week. However, they remain up by approximately 40 percent for 2026 to date.

Wacker Chemie stated that the Siltronic shares were offered exclusively to selected investors and international institutional investors. The divestment reduces the Munich-based group's holding in Siltronic from 31 percent to 24 percent. Nevertheless, the specialty chemicals group remains the largest shareholder in the wafer manufacturer.

Wacker CEO Christian Hartel emphasized his confidence in the investment: 'We are very satisfied with Siltronic's development and continue to support the company's strategy,' the executive said in a statement. He further highlighted the financial benefits of the placement for Wacker: 'With the proceeds from this transaction, we are strengthening our financial position and creating additional leeway to invest in future growth.'/lew/tav/stk