SAN JOSE, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — September 13, 2017 — Western Digital Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC) today commented on Toshiba Corporation’s (“Toshiba”) statement regarding the transfer of its interests in its NAND flash-memory joint ventures operated with Western Digital’s SanDisk subsidiaries (“JVs”):

We are disappointed that Toshiba would take this action despite Western Digital’s tireless efforts to reach a resolution that is in the best interests of all stakeholders. Throughout our ongoing dialogue with Toshiba, we have been flexible, constructive and have submitted numerous proposals to specifically address Toshiba’s stated concerns. Our goal has been — and remains — to reach a mutually beneficial outcome that satisfies the needs of Toshiba and its stakeholders, and most importantly, ensures the longevity and continued success of the JVs.

Furthermore, it is surprising that Toshiba would continue to pursue a transaction with a consortium led by Korea-based SK Hynix Inc. and Bain Capital Japan without SanDisk’s consent, as the language in the relevant JV agreements is unambiguous, and multiple courts have ruled in favor of protecting SanDisk’s contractual rights. We remain confident in our ability to protect our JV interests and consent rights.

Western Digital’s arbitration requests filed on May 14, 2017, and July 5, 2017, continue to move forward in the ICC International Court of Arbitration.

About Western Digital

Western Digital is an industry-leading provider of storage technologies and solutions that enable people to create, leverage, experience and preserve data. The company addresses ever-changing market needs by providing a full portfolio of compelling, high-quality storage solutions with customer-focused innovation, high efficiency, flexibility and speed. Our products are marketed under the HGST, SanDisk and WD brands to OEMs, distributors, resellers, cloud infrastructure providers and consumers. Financial and investor information is available on the company's Investor Relations website at investor.wdc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements concerning the JVs, SanDisk’s rights under the JV agreements and its actions to protect such rights, ongoing proceedings with respect to those rights, and Western Digital’s or SanDisk’s actions in response to Toshiba’s statement about the transfer of its interests in the JVs. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate including, among others: uncertainties with respect to the company’s business ventures with Toshiba; volatility in global economic conditions; business conditions and growth in the storage ecosystem; impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance and cost of commodity materials and specialized product components; actions by competitors; unexpected advances in competing technologies; our development and introduction of products based on new technologies and expansion into new data storage markets; risks associated with acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; and other risks and uncertainties listed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on Aug. 29, 2017, to which your attention is directed. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Western Digital, WD and SanDisk are registered trademarks or trademarks of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. © 2017 Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005504/en/

Western Digital Corp.
United States
Media Contact:
Jim Pascoe, 408-717-6999
Email Contact
or
Investor Contact:
Bob Blair, 949-672-7834
Email Contact
or
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
Eric Brielmann / Jed Repko / Ed Trissel
415-869-3950 / 212-355-4449
Email Contact
or
Japan
Media Contacts:
Emi Hatano, 090-5765-9730
Email Contact
or
Ashton Consulting
John Sunley / Brendan Jennings
03 5425-7220 / 090ー7416-0180 / 050 7576-6190
Email Contact