A report published October 6 said Toshiba approached TDK in spring 2026 about its hard disk drive (HDD) magnetic-head business, and Seagate made a higher offer that summer. The potential transaction could be worth as much as several billion dollars. Toshiba depends entirely on TDK for HDD heads, while Seagate and Western Digital also make their own.
Reported interest in TDK’s HDD-head business
The reported sequence began with Toshiba’s approach in spring 2026, followed by Seagate’s higher offer in summer. Magnetic heads record and retrieve data on hard-drive platters, making TDK’s business a key part of the companies’ supply chains.
Why TDK matters to HDD supply
TDK is described as the only independent maker of HDD magnetic heads. Its customers have different sourcing arrangements: Toshiba relies entirely on TDK, while Seagate and Western Digital manufacture heads in-house and turn to TDK when they need additional supply.
| Company | Reported head-supply position |
| Toshiba | Relies entirely on TDK for HDD heads. |
| Seagate | Makes heads in-house and uses TDK for additional supply when needed. |
| Western Digital | Makes heads in-house and uses TDK for additional supply when needed. |
That difference gives the potential sale different supply implications for each company. Toshiba depends on TDK for its heads; Seagate and Western Digital also have in-house production.
Reported supply discussion and Toshiba’s response
A report published October 6 said executives from Seagate, Toshiba, and TDK met in Tokyo during the week before to discuss continued head supply, including a possible joint venture. Toshiba said no meeting had taken place and described the account as inconsistent with its understanding and that of its principal backer, Japan Industrial Partners.
