LG has bought out several companies over its history to expand into new technologies and markets. One of the most significant acquisitions was Zenith Electronics in 1995, the iconic American TV manufacturer that invented the remote control. LG acquired 57.7% of Zenith and later full ownership, which gave LG critical ATSC digital TV patents and a strong US brand presence. LG also acquired a majority stake in 2021 in Alphonso, a US-based TV data and measurement company, to strengthen its smart TV advertising business. In automotive technology, LG acquired ZKW Group in 2018, an Austrian automotive lighting company, for 1.3 billion dollars to expand its vehicle components business. LG Electronics also acquired Cybellum in 2021, an Israeli automotive cybersecurity company. In the HVAC space, LG has made several smaller acquisitions of engineering firms. LG Chem, its sister company, acquired DuPont's soluble OLED technology business and other chemical companies. LG Energy Solution has invested in and acquired stakes in battery material companies. Perhaps most importantly, LG merged with GoldStar and Lucky in its early history, though that was a merger of founder-related companies rather than a buyout. Unlike Samsung, LG's acquisition strategy has been relatively conservative, focusing on strategic technology tuck-ins rather than massive mega-mergers, preferring organic growth in appliances and displays.
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