Japanese IT infrastructure giant Softbank has bought 80 per cent of memory card maker Kingston Technology for $1.2 billion.

US-based Kingston has been a star performer in recent years, emerging form nowhere to become a powerful force in the memory upgrade market. In the UK, it has enjoyed a close relationship with Surrey-based distributor Datrontech, that has given the firms a strong grip on the memory aftermarket. The firm also sells network and storage upgrades.

Kingston's UK subsidiary plans a new office in Sunbury, near London, for October.

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