Samsung’s Deals, Decisions Seen on Hold as Lee Faces Trial

By Sam Kim and Jungah Lee, Bloomberg News

The indictment of Samsung Electronics Co. de facto chief Jay Y. Lee and four other top executives on bribery and embezzlement charges threatens the company’s ability to make major strategic decisions, including acquisitions and management changes.

While the world’s biggest maker of mobile devices has capable managers who will, as before, continue to roll out new products and expand the business, any acquisitions, major management shuffles and changes to the corporate structure will probably have to wait until Lee’s legal issues subside.

The vice chairman is accused of directing tens of millions ...