SAN JOSE, Calif., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) (Nasdaq: MPWR), a leading fabless manufacturer of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced the U.S. International Trade Commission issued a final determination finding no violation of Section 337 by MPS or its customers in an action brought by O2 Micro International, Ltd. in 2008. An ITC administrative law judge had previously issued an initial determination in April that also found no violation. The ITC's final determination concludes that none of MPS' accused products infringe O2 Micro's U.S. Patent No. 7,417,382 (the '382 patent).
In a related district court action, which is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, O2 Micro has filed a motion to dismiss its claims for infringement of the '382 patent, with prejudice, and has covenanted not to sue MPS or any MPS distributors or customers for infringement of the '382 patent based on any past and current MPS products. MPS expects to seek attorney fees against O2 Micro once the judgment is entered dismissing the action.
MPS is represented in this case by Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP. MPS trial counsel includes Smith Brittingham, Dean Dunlavey, Lionel Lavenue, Mark Flagel, Darren Jirron, Scott Mosko and Franklin Kang.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
National Semiconductor Acquires GTronix
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: NSM) today announced it has acquired the technology of GTronix, a fabless semiconductor company specializing in programmable and adaptive analog sensory processing technology.
GTronix's solutions enhance audio user-interface and voice processing and are well suited for applications where small form factor, low power, low latency and undistorted signals are critical. Its proprietary technology provides very low power solutions for noise cancellation in mobile applications such as wireless handsets and audio accessories.
For more than 50 years, National Semiconductor has been a world leader in analog technology. Its vast portfolio of analog products includes acoustic integrated circuits and subsystems, which enable high-fidelity sound in a myriad of electronic systems. National's audio product portfolio includes the energy-efficient Boomer™ audio amplifier, which has been adopted by numerous wireless handset customers, including global leaders in the personal mobile device market.
GTronix is based in Fremont, Calif.
Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.
GTronix's solutions enhance audio user-interface and voice processing and are well suited for applications where small form factor, low power, low latency and undistorted signals are critical. Its proprietary technology provides very low power solutions for noise cancellation in mobile applications such as wireless handsets and audio accessories.
For more than 50 years, National Semiconductor has been a world leader in analog technology. Its vast portfolio of analog products includes acoustic integrated circuits and subsystems, which enable high-fidelity sound in a myriad of electronic systems. National's audio product portfolio includes the energy-efficient Boomer™ audio amplifier, which has been adopted by numerous wireless handset customers, including global leaders in the personal mobile device market.
GTronix is based in Fremont, Calif.
Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Broadcom Announces Intention to Acquire Innovision
IRVINE, Calif., June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced its subsidiary, Broadcom International Ltd., has agreed to terms with the board of Innovision Research & Technology PLC, (a company listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange: INN), to make an all-cash offer to acquire all of the issued and to be issued shares of Innovision. Innovision is a leader in near-field communication (NFC) technology.
Under the terms of the offer, Innovision shareholders will receive Pounds Sterling 0.35 (approximately $0.52) per share in cash for each Innovision share held, representing a total equity value of approximately $47.5 million based on current exchange rates. This offer represents a 84.2% premium above the closing price of Innovision common stock on June 17, 2010. Broadcom expects to close the acquisition of Innovision in the third quarter of 2010.
Under the terms of the offer, Innovision shareholders will receive Pounds Sterling 0.35 (approximately $0.52) per share in cash for each Innovision share held, representing a total equity value of approximately $47.5 million based on current exchange rates. This offer represents a 84.2% premium above the closing price of Innovision common stock on June 17, 2010. Broadcom expects to close the acquisition of Innovision in the third quarter of 2010.
Monday, June 14, 2010
SMSC Announces Acquisition of STS
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SMSC (NASDAQ: SMSC), a leading semiconductor company creating valued connectivity ecosystems, today announced that it has acquired Wireless Audio IP B.V. (“STS”), a fabless designer of plug-and-play wireless solutions for consumer audio streaming applications, including home theater, headphones, LED TVs, PCs, gaming and automotive entertainment. Customers include many of the industry’s leading consumer and PC brands. STS’s robust, low latency digital audio baseband processor and integrated module solutions are highly complementary to SMSC’s Kleer® wireless audio products. Together, the STS and Kleer teams intend to collaborate on developing best-in-class baseband processor and audio networking solutions that allow end users to enjoy state-of-the-art entertainment in the home, in the car or on the go.
“We are excited about the expansion of SMSC’s wireless audio product portfolio with the acquisition of STS,” said Christine King, President & Chief Executive Officer of SMSC. “The growth potential in the wireless audio market is significant as this technology is no longer just a unique application for audio enthusiasts. With this technology, we are enabling a new experience with high quality, untethered digital stereo audio transmission when listening to music, watching movies on a PC or TV and for playing videogames. We believe we are well positioned to build our market position now that we have assembled the technology and talent of two of the industry’s leading designers of wireless audio.”
Founded in 2003, STS has developed patented custom audio processing technology that is universal and highly scalable from previous generations, creating easy and efficient design environments for customers. Its wireless platform has shipped in millions of units of customer product deployed in a wide array of consumer applications. STS is headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with offices in Singapore and China.
SMSC expects Kleer and STS to contribute approximately $15 million in revenue in fiscal 2011 and the acquisitions are expected to be neutral to slightly accretive during SMSC’s current fiscal year 2011. Under terms of the share purchase agreement, SMSC paid $22 million in cash and additional cash payments of up to $3 million may occur upon achievement of certain performance goals. The acquisition closed on June 14, 2010.
“We are excited about the expansion of SMSC’s wireless audio product portfolio with the acquisition of STS,” said Christine King, President & Chief Executive Officer of SMSC. “The growth potential in the wireless audio market is significant as this technology is no longer just a unique application for audio enthusiasts. With this technology, we are enabling a new experience with high quality, untethered digital stereo audio transmission when listening to music, watching movies on a PC or TV and for playing videogames. We believe we are well positioned to build our market position now that we have assembled the technology and talent of two of the industry’s leading designers of wireless audio.”
Founded in 2003, STS has developed patented custom audio processing technology that is universal and highly scalable from previous generations, creating easy and efficient design environments for customers. Its wireless platform has shipped in millions of units of customer product deployed in a wide array of consumer applications. STS is headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with offices in Singapore and China.
SMSC expects Kleer and STS to contribute approximately $15 million in revenue in fiscal 2011 and the acquisitions are expected to be neutral to slightly accretive during SMSC’s current fiscal year 2011. Under terms of the share purchase agreement, SMSC paid $22 million in cash and additional cash payments of up to $3 million may occur upon achievement of certain performance goals. The acquisition closed on June 14, 2010.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Synopsys to Acquire Virage Logic Corporation
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), a world leader in software and IP for semiconductor design, verification and manufacturing, and Virage Logic Corporation (Nasdaq: VIRL), a leading independent provider of semiconductor intellectual property (IP) for the design of complex integrated circuits, today announced they have signed a definitive agreement for Synopsys to acquire Virage Logic. Virage Logic's offering will complement Synopsys' DesignWare® interface and analog IP portfolio by adding embedded memories with test and repair, non-volatile memories (NVMs), standard cell libraries, and programmable cores for control and multimedia sub-systems. With this acquisition, Synopsys will strengthen its ability to help design teams achieve their system-on-chip (SoC) development goals by providing them with a more comprehensive portfolio of production-proven, high-quality IP and excellent worldwide technical support.
Under the terms of the agreement, Synopsys will pay $12.00 cash per Virage Logic share, resulting in a transaction value of approximately $315 million, or approximately $289 million net of cash acquired. The transaction is subject to regulatory and Virage Logic shareholder approval, as well as other customary closing conditions.
The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction, and Virage Logic President and CEO Alex Shubat will join Synopsys. After the closing, Virage Logic will become part of Synopsys, and Virage Logic stock will cease trading. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Synopsys' fiscal 2010. Therefore, Synopsys anticipates the transaction to be neutral to non-GAAP earnings per share in fiscal 2010, and accretive in fiscal 2011.
"With more functionality being integrated into a single device, high-quality IP continues to be key for enabling designers to reduce integration risk and speed time-to-market," said Dr. Aart de Geus, chairman and CEO at Synopsys. "Bringing Synopsys and Virage Logic together broadens our portfolio and builds on two very strong technical teams. It is also in line with what so many customers are looking to Synopsys to address: a way to quickly incorporate standard functions into their SoCs so they can focus on developing differentiated products."
"When I co-founded Virage Logic in 1996, it was with the belief that a semiconductor IP company could provide the technically superior building blocks that the industry needed to accelerate development of high quality, cost-effective end products," said Dr. Alex Shubat, president and CEO of Virage Logic. "Today, the transition to a fabless, or 'fab-lite' model, coupled with the explosion in SoC product development costs at the advanced process nodes, has resulted in an escalating need by the semiconductor manufacturers for production-proven IP. By joining forces with Synopsys' impressive engineering team and by gaining access to their global channel, we will be able to accelerate the development and delivery of our broad product offering to help customers meet their design-for-profitability goals. I am excited to join Synopsys to further my original vision."
Under the terms of the agreement, Synopsys will pay $12.00 cash per Virage Logic share, resulting in a transaction value of approximately $315 million, or approximately $289 million net of cash acquired. The transaction is subject to regulatory and Virage Logic shareholder approval, as well as other customary closing conditions.
The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction, and Virage Logic President and CEO Alex Shubat will join Synopsys. After the closing, Virage Logic will become part of Synopsys, and Virage Logic stock will cease trading. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Synopsys' fiscal 2010. Therefore, Synopsys anticipates the transaction to be neutral to non-GAAP earnings per share in fiscal 2010, and accretive in fiscal 2011.
"With more functionality being integrated into a single device, high-quality IP continues to be key for enabling designers to reduce integration risk and speed time-to-market," said Dr. Aart de Geus, chairman and CEO at Synopsys. "Bringing Synopsys and Virage Logic together broadens our portfolio and builds on two very strong technical teams. It is also in line with what so many customers are looking to Synopsys to address: a way to quickly incorporate standard functions into their SoCs so they can focus on developing differentiated products."
"When I co-founded Virage Logic in 1996, it was with the belief that a semiconductor IP company could provide the technically superior building blocks that the industry needed to accelerate development of high quality, cost-effective end products," said Dr. Alex Shubat, president and CEO of Virage Logic. "Today, the transition to a fabless, or 'fab-lite' model, coupled with the explosion in SoC product development costs at the advanced process nodes, has resulted in an escalating need by the semiconductor manufacturers for production-proven IP. By joining forces with Synopsys' impressive engineering team and by gaining access to their global channel, we will be able to accelerate the development and delivery of our broad product offering to help customers meet their design-for-profitability goals. I am excited to join Synopsys to further my original vision."
Synopsys Acquires High-level Synthesis Technology from Synfora, Inc.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), a world leader in software and IP for semiconductor design, verification and manufacturing, today announced it has acquired technology, engineering resources and other assets of Synfora, Inc., a provider of C/C++ high-level synthesis tools used to design complex systems-on-chips (SoCs) and FPGAs. The asset acquisition strengthens Synopsys' position in system-level design and verification and enhances the company's FPGA-based prototyping solutions.
Synfora's technology enables designers to quickly create and synthesize IC building blocks starting from a description written in the C or C++ programming language. The advantages of Synfora's technology, including high capacity and quality of results for performance, area and power, are production-proven in leading-edge designs. Customers who have adopted Synfora's tools have experienced the benefits of the technology for their FPGA and SoC designs through integration with Synopsys' Synplify® Premier synthesis and Galaxy™ Implementation Platform.
"This acquisition adds proven C/C++ high-level synthesis technology to our system-level solutions portfolio and broadens Synopsys' comprehensive solutions for block creation and optimization," said Joachim Kunkel, senior vice president and general manager of the Solutions Group at Synopsys. "It underscores Synopsys' clear commitment to being the leading EDA supplier of system-level solutions for SoC design, software development, hardware/software integration and system validation."
The terms of the deal, which closed today, have not been disclosed.
Synfora's technology enables designers to quickly create and synthesize IC building blocks starting from a description written in the C or C++ programming language. The advantages of Synfora's technology, including high capacity and quality of results for performance, area and power, are production-proven in leading-edge designs. Customers who have adopted Synfora's tools have experienced the benefits of the technology for their FPGA and SoC designs through integration with Synopsys' Synplify® Premier synthesis and Galaxy™ Implementation Platform.
"This acquisition adds proven C/C++ high-level synthesis technology to our system-level solutions portfolio and broadens Synopsys' comprehensive solutions for block creation and optimization," said Joachim Kunkel, senior vice president and general manager of the Solutions Group at Synopsys. "It underscores Synopsys' clear commitment to being the leading EDA supplier of system-level solutions for SoC design, software development, hardware/software integration and system validation."
The terms of the deal, which closed today, have not been disclosed.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
ON Semiconductor Acquires Sound Design Technologies, Ltd.
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ON Semiconductor Corporation (Nasdaq: ONNN), a premier supplier of high performance, energy efficient silicon solutions for green electronics, today announced it has acquired privately held Sound Design Technologies, Ltd. (SDT) from an affiliate of Global Equity Capital, LLC, in an all cash transaction for initial consideration of approximately $22 million.
“Matching SDT’s cutting-edge technology with ON Semiconductor’s worldwide presence and industry expertise is a natural next step in the evolution of the business, also benefiting SDT customers building sophisticated hearing products.”
Under the terms of the acquisition, the seller will also have the ability to receive additional earn-out proceeds of up to $10 million if, among other things, SDT is able to meet certain revenue thresholds in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The initial consideration value represents approximately one times SDT’s first quarter 2010 annualized sales levels. SDT will now become an integrated part of ON Semiconductor’s Medical Division, based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
“The acquisition of Sound Design Technologies solidifies our position as a leading supplier of ultra-low-power digital signal processing (DSP) technology for hearing aids and audio processing applications,” said Robert Tong, vice president of ON Semiconductor’s Medical Division. “In addition, the acquisition strengthens the company’s talent base and adds an experienced design and applications engineering team for the audiology segment. SDT’s advanced manufacturing expertise in chip-scale capacitors and high density packaging will also expand our capabilities in delivering advanced, highly miniaturized packaging technology, crucial for hearing aid and similarly size-constrained applications that demand medical-grade quality.”
Michael Hirano, executive vice president, operations of Global Equity Capital, stated, “Matching SDT’s cutting-edge technology with ON Semiconductor’s worldwide presence and industry expertise is a natural next step in the evolution of the business, also benefiting SDT customers building sophisticated hearing products.”
SDT is a leading designer and manufacturer of ultra-low-power semiconductor solutions for hearing aids and portable, battery-powered DSP applications, and a leading provider of advanced high density interconnect technologies used in custom miniaturized packages. Based in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, SDT has a 37-year history of innovation in developing miniaturized audio processors. The hearing instrument products and manufacturing operations of Gennum Corporation were acquired in 2007 to form SDT. For more information, visit www.sounddesigntechnologies.com.
About Global Equity Capital, LLC
Global Equity Capital, LLC (GEC) is a private equity firm focused on value creation through extensive operating expertise in small to middle-market transactions. GEC provides speed and flexibility in carve-outs of non-core assets from public and private entities, financial or operational turnarounds and growing businesses looking for operational and financial resource assistance. GEC is led by an experienced team, which has demonstrated over time a reliable track record of creating substantial value in its portfolio companies for shareholders and management. GEC is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. For more information, visit www.globalequitycap.com.
About ON Semiconductor
ON Semiconductor Corporation (Nasdaq: ONNN) is a premier supplier of high performance, energy efficient, silicon solutions for green electronics. The company's broad portfolio of power and signal management, logic, discrete and custom devices helps customers efficiently solve their design challenges in automotive, communications, computing, consumer, industrial, LED lighting, medical, military/aerospace and power applications. ON Semiconductor operates a world-class, value-added supply chain and a network of manufacturing facilities, sales offices and design centers in key markets throughout North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific regions. For more information, visit www.onsemi.com.
“Matching SDT’s cutting-edge technology with ON Semiconductor’s worldwide presence and industry expertise is a natural next step in the evolution of the business, also benefiting SDT customers building sophisticated hearing products.”
Under the terms of the acquisition, the seller will also have the ability to receive additional earn-out proceeds of up to $10 million if, among other things, SDT is able to meet certain revenue thresholds in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The initial consideration value represents approximately one times SDT’s first quarter 2010 annualized sales levels. SDT will now become an integrated part of ON Semiconductor’s Medical Division, based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
“The acquisition of Sound Design Technologies solidifies our position as a leading supplier of ultra-low-power digital signal processing (DSP) technology for hearing aids and audio processing applications,” said Robert Tong, vice president of ON Semiconductor’s Medical Division. “In addition, the acquisition strengthens the company’s talent base and adds an experienced design and applications engineering team for the audiology segment. SDT’s advanced manufacturing expertise in chip-scale capacitors and high density packaging will also expand our capabilities in delivering advanced, highly miniaturized packaging technology, crucial for hearing aid and similarly size-constrained applications that demand medical-grade quality.”
Michael Hirano, executive vice president, operations of Global Equity Capital, stated, “Matching SDT’s cutting-edge technology with ON Semiconductor’s worldwide presence and industry expertise is a natural next step in the evolution of the business, also benefiting SDT customers building sophisticated hearing products.”
SDT is a leading designer and manufacturer of ultra-low-power semiconductor solutions for hearing aids and portable, battery-powered DSP applications, and a leading provider of advanced high density interconnect technologies used in custom miniaturized packages. Based in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, SDT has a 37-year history of innovation in developing miniaturized audio processors. The hearing instrument products and manufacturing operations of Gennum Corporation were acquired in 2007 to form SDT. For more information, visit www.sounddesigntechnologies.com.
About Global Equity Capital, LLC
Global Equity Capital, LLC (GEC) is a private equity firm focused on value creation through extensive operating expertise in small to middle-market transactions. GEC provides speed and flexibility in carve-outs of non-core assets from public and private entities, financial or operational turnarounds and growing businesses looking for operational and financial resource assistance. GEC is led by an experienced team, which has demonstrated over time a reliable track record of creating substantial value in its portfolio companies for shareholders and management. GEC is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. For more information, visit www.globalequitycap.com.
About ON Semiconductor
ON Semiconductor Corporation (Nasdaq: ONNN) is a premier supplier of high performance, energy efficient, silicon solutions for green electronics. The company's broad portfolio of power and signal management, logic, discrete and custom devices helps customers efficiently solve their design challenges in automotive, communications, computing, consumer, industrial, LED lighting, medical, military/aerospace and power applications. ON Semiconductor operates a world-class, value-added supply chain and a network of manufacturing facilities, sales offices and design centers in key markets throughout North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific regions. For more information, visit www.onsemi.com.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Rambus Acquires Uni-Pixel Display and Backlighting Intellectual Property
THE WOODLANDS, TX--(Marketwire - May 27, 2010) - Uni-Pixel, Inc. (OTCBB: UNXL), a production stage company delivering its Clearly Superior™ Performance Engineered Films to the lighting and display, solar, and flexible electronics market segments, today announced that Rambus Inc., one of the world's premier technology licensing companies, has acquired a portion of Uni-Pixel's award winning intellectual property (IP) portfolio relating to dynamic backlighting, field sequential color displays, and Time Multiplexed Optical Shutter (TMOS™) display technology. In addition, the Company has entered into an engineering services agreement with Rambus providing the ability for future collaboration and technology development. Rambus will pay Uni-Pixel $2.25 million for these display and backlighting patents.
TMOS display technology can provide LCD panel manufacturers with a better means of building displays by reducing material costs and delivering superior performance. The technology is targeted to leverage a subset of the current LCD manufacturing process, offering the potential of lowering the bill-of-materials and manufacturing costs by as much as 40-60%, while improving display performance characteristics including lower power consumption. Furthermore, backlight technology based on TMOS display technology can be applied to current LCD display panels to create a more efficient and cost-effective device.
Reed Killion, president and CEO of Uni-Pixel, noted, "Rambus has a long and rich history of creating and licensing industry-leading solutions, and we are pleased to enter into this agreement with a company of their caliber and significant expertise. The alignment with Rambus, specifically its Lighting and Display Technology group, leverages strong business and technical synergies around the licensing, development and manufacturing of advanced micro-optics (MicroLens™ technology), edge illumination systems (backlights) and display technologies. Rambus has demonstrated that its extensive system and integration expertise is core to its success in becoming one of the premier licensing companies in the world. We look forward to further leveraging our technological capabilities in support of this agreement."
Mr. Killion continued, "We see this agreement as a win-win for both companies, as it gives Uni-Pixel the ability to focus on our Clearly Superior Performance Engineered Films, while allowing Rambus to add innovative display and backlighting technology to its growing intellectual property portfolio."
"This acquisition recognizes the significant contributions Uni-Pixel's innovative technology can make to our solutions for LCD displays for HDTVs, mobile devices and PCs," said Jeff Parker, senior vice president of the Lighting and Display Technology group at Rambus. "In combination with our design expertise and patented innovations, such as MicroLens optical technology, our goal is to greatly advance the performance and cost-effectiveness of displays incorporating dynamic backlighting, field sequential color, and TMOS technology."
Uni-Pixel's business model is significantly optimized by focusing its efforts on the development and manufacturing of its Clearly Superior Performance Engineered Films for the display and backlighting, general lighting, solar and flexible electronics market sectors. To date, the Company's commercialization approach had centered on licensing the TMOS display and backlight technology to existing panel and backlight manufacturers, while supplying those licensees with its Clearly Superior Performance Engineered Film as one of the subcomponents in those technologies.
About Uni-Pixel, Inc.
Uni-Pixel is a production stage company delivering its Clearly Superior™ Performance Engineered Films to the Lighting & Display, Solar and Flexible Electronics market segments. Uni-Pixel's high-volume roll-to-roll or continuous flow manufacturing process offers high-fidelity replication of advanced micro-optic structures and surface characteristics over large area, combined with a thin film conductive element. The Company plans to sell its films as sub- components for use in LCD, FSC - LCD and its Time Multiplexed Optical Shutter (TMOS) display technology as a back light film and active film sub-component. The Company is currently shipping its Clearly Superior ™ Finger Print Resistant protective cover films for multiple touch enabled devices. In addition, Uni-Pixel sells its films under the Clearly Superior™ brand, as well as private label and OEM. Uni-Pixel was recently recognized by MDB Capital Group as one of the top 50 small-cap most innovative public companies. Uni-Pixel's corporate headquarters are located in The Woodlands, TX. For further information please see www.unipixel.com.
TMOS display technology can provide LCD panel manufacturers with a better means of building displays by reducing material costs and delivering superior performance. The technology is targeted to leverage a subset of the current LCD manufacturing process, offering the potential of lowering the bill-of-materials and manufacturing costs by as much as 40-60%, while improving display performance characteristics including lower power consumption. Furthermore, backlight technology based on TMOS display technology can be applied to current LCD display panels to create a more efficient and cost-effective device.
Reed Killion, president and CEO of Uni-Pixel, noted, "Rambus has a long and rich history of creating and licensing industry-leading solutions, and we are pleased to enter into this agreement with a company of their caliber and significant expertise. The alignment with Rambus, specifically its Lighting and Display Technology group, leverages strong business and technical synergies around the licensing, development and manufacturing of advanced micro-optics (MicroLens™ technology), edge illumination systems (backlights) and display technologies. Rambus has demonstrated that its extensive system and integration expertise is core to its success in becoming one of the premier licensing companies in the world. We look forward to further leveraging our technological capabilities in support of this agreement."
Mr. Killion continued, "We see this agreement as a win-win for both companies, as it gives Uni-Pixel the ability to focus on our Clearly Superior Performance Engineered Films, while allowing Rambus to add innovative display and backlighting technology to its growing intellectual property portfolio."
"This acquisition recognizes the significant contributions Uni-Pixel's innovative technology can make to our solutions for LCD displays for HDTVs, mobile devices and PCs," said Jeff Parker, senior vice president of the Lighting and Display Technology group at Rambus. "In combination with our design expertise and patented innovations, such as MicroLens optical technology, our goal is to greatly advance the performance and cost-effectiveness of displays incorporating dynamic backlighting, field sequential color, and TMOS technology."
Uni-Pixel's business model is significantly optimized by focusing its efforts on the development and manufacturing of its Clearly Superior Performance Engineered Films for the display and backlighting, general lighting, solar and flexible electronics market sectors. To date, the Company's commercialization approach had centered on licensing the TMOS display and backlight technology to existing panel and backlight manufacturers, while supplying those licensees with its Clearly Superior Performance Engineered Film as one of the subcomponents in those technologies.
About Uni-Pixel, Inc.
Uni-Pixel is a production stage company delivering its Clearly Superior™ Performance Engineered Films to the Lighting & Display, Solar and Flexible Electronics market segments. Uni-Pixel's high-volume roll-to-roll or continuous flow manufacturing process offers high-fidelity replication of advanced micro-optic structures and surface characteristics over large area, combined with a thin film conductive element. The Company plans to sell its films as sub- components for use in LCD, FSC - LCD and its Time Multiplexed Optical Shutter (TMOS) display technology as a back light film and active film sub-component. The Company is currently shipping its Clearly Superior ™ Finger Print Resistant protective cover films for multiple touch enabled devices. In addition, Uni-Pixel sells its films under the Clearly Superior™ brand, as well as private label and OEM. Uni-Pixel was recently recognized by MDB Capital Group as one of the top 50 small-cap most innovative public companies. Uni-Pixel's corporate headquarters are located in The Woodlands, TX. For further information please see www.unipixel.com.
Monday, May 24, 2010
MEMC Announces Agreement to Acquire Solaicx
ST. PETERS, Mo., May 24, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (NYSE: WFR) today announced it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Solaicx, headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Solaicx has developed proprietary continuous crystal growth manufacturing technology which yields low-cost, high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon wafers for the photovoltaic solar industry. The Solaicx technology allows for very high-volume crystal growth compared to the silicon ingots produced in the traditional precision semiconductor manufacturing process. The enhanced electrical performance of wafers from Solaicx ingots allows solar cell manufacturers to create higher efficiency cells with very competitive silicon costs. In addition to these customer benefits, the combined company will have low-cost polysilicon and crystal operations in North America and sales and support offices around the world, allowing the company to provide customers with industry leading customer service.
Solaicx has approximately 80 employees and a large-scale production facility in Portland, Oregon.
"Solaicx, along with its people and technical expertise, is a great addition to MEMC," said Ken Hannah, President of MEMC Solar Materials. "Solaicx's innovative and advanced manufacturing technology should enable us to reduce costs and improve efficiency, while enhancing our ability to drive the solar industry toward grid parity."
"Bringing MEMC and Solaicx together now is the right thing to do at the right time," continued Hannah. "The monocrystalline silicon market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of about 50 percent during the next three years. This transaction positions MEMC to significantly reduce the cost of monocrystalline silicon."
"We are pleased to be joining forces with MEMC," said David Ranhoff, President and CEO of Solaicx. "Our technology combined with MEMC's footprint and scale will enable our customers to further reduce the cost of solar electricity."
MEMC will pay to the existing securityholders of Solaicx at closing cash in the amount of $66 million, plus an additional amount in cash equal to amounts which have been recently invested in, or which may be invested prior to closing in Solaicx by its existing securityholders. The aggregate additional investment amount is estimated to be approximately $10 million. Solaicx's indebtedness for borrowed money will be extinguished at closing and is included in these amounts. The merger consideration is also subject to adjustment based on the net working capital of Solaicx at closing. The agreement also includes an earnout, should Solaicx meet certain performance targets in 2010 and 2011, of up to an additional $27.6 million payable to Solaicx securityholders, consisting of cash and MEMC common stock at the election of the securityholder. The stock portion of the earnout consideration, if any, will be issued to Solaicx securityholders as a private placement.
The acquisition is expected to close by the end of June 2010, subject to customary closing conditions, including Solaicx shareholder approval, and the receipt of regulatory approvals. MEMC expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings in 2011, subject to purchase accounting adjustments.
GCA Savvian Advisors, LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to MEMC in connection with this transaction.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of MEMC common stock in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
About MEMC
MEMC is a global leader in the manufacture and sale of wafers and related intermediate products to the semiconductor and solar industries. MEMC is also a developer of solar power projects and North America's largest solar energy services provider. MEMC has been a pioneer in the design and development of silicon wafer technologies for 50 years. With R&D and manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, MEMC enables the next generation of high performance semiconductor devices and solar cells. MEMC's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFR" and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information about MEMC, visit www.memc.com.
About Solaicx, Inc.
Solaicx manufactures low-cost, high-quality silicon ingots using proprietary equipment optimized for the solar industry. Solaicx is "making solar electricity cost effective"(R) by reducing the manufacturing cost of crystalline photovoltaics, which comprise more than 80 percent of all solar cells on the market today. The Solaicx process provides significant competitive advantages in terms of cost, quality and silicon utilization. For more information about Solaicx, visit www.solaicx.com.
Solaicx has developed proprietary continuous crystal growth manufacturing technology which yields low-cost, high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon wafers for the photovoltaic solar industry. The Solaicx technology allows for very high-volume crystal growth compared to the silicon ingots produced in the traditional precision semiconductor manufacturing process. The enhanced electrical performance of wafers from Solaicx ingots allows solar cell manufacturers to create higher efficiency cells with very competitive silicon costs. In addition to these customer benefits, the combined company will have low-cost polysilicon and crystal operations in North America and sales and support offices around the world, allowing the company to provide customers with industry leading customer service.
Solaicx has approximately 80 employees and a large-scale production facility in Portland, Oregon.
"Solaicx, along with its people and technical expertise, is a great addition to MEMC," said Ken Hannah, President of MEMC Solar Materials. "Solaicx's innovative and advanced manufacturing technology should enable us to reduce costs and improve efficiency, while enhancing our ability to drive the solar industry toward grid parity."
"Bringing MEMC and Solaicx together now is the right thing to do at the right time," continued Hannah. "The monocrystalline silicon market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of about 50 percent during the next three years. This transaction positions MEMC to significantly reduce the cost of monocrystalline silicon."
"We are pleased to be joining forces with MEMC," said David Ranhoff, President and CEO of Solaicx. "Our technology combined with MEMC's footprint and scale will enable our customers to further reduce the cost of solar electricity."
MEMC will pay to the existing securityholders of Solaicx at closing cash in the amount of $66 million, plus an additional amount in cash equal to amounts which have been recently invested in, or which may be invested prior to closing in Solaicx by its existing securityholders. The aggregate additional investment amount is estimated to be approximately $10 million. Solaicx's indebtedness for borrowed money will be extinguished at closing and is included in these amounts. The merger consideration is also subject to adjustment based on the net working capital of Solaicx at closing. The agreement also includes an earnout, should Solaicx meet certain performance targets in 2010 and 2011, of up to an additional $27.6 million payable to Solaicx securityholders, consisting of cash and MEMC common stock at the election of the securityholder. The stock portion of the earnout consideration, if any, will be issued to Solaicx securityholders as a private placement.
The acquisition is expected to close by the end of June 2010, subject to customary closing conditions, including Solaicx shareholder approval, and the receipt of regulatory approvals. MEMC expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings in 2011, subject to purchase accounting adjustments.
GCA Savvian Advisors, LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to MEMC in connection with this transaction.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of MEMC common stock in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
About MEMC
MEMC is a global leader in the manufacture and sale of wafers and related intermediate products to the semiconductor and solar industries. MEMC is also a developer of solar power projects and North America's largest solar energy services provider. MEMC has been a pioneer in the design and development of silicon wafer technologies for 50 years. With R&D and manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, MEMC enables the next generation of high performance semiconductor devices and solar cells. MEMC's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFR" and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information about MEMC, visit www.memc.com.
About Solaicx, Inc.
Solaicx manufactures low-cost, high-quality silicon ingots using proprietary equipment optimized for the solar industry. Solaicx is "making solar electricity cost effective"(R) by reducing the manufacturing cost of crystalline photovoltaics, which comprise more than 80 percent of all solar cells on the market today. The Solaicx process provides significant competitive advantages in terms of cost, quality and silicon utilization. For more information about Solaicx, visit www.solaicx.com.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Zarlink Sells Optical Products Group to Tyco Electronics
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 17, 2010) - Zarlink Semiconductor (TSX:ZL) today announced that it has sold the assets of its Optical Products group to Tyco Electronics (NYSE: TEL) for approximately US$15 million in cash.
"The sale of our Optical Products group follows our strategy of narrowing our focus to markets where we can maintain a strong leadership position, while improving operational efficiencies to build a more profitable business," said Kirk Mandy, President and CEO, Zarlink Semiconductor. "This transaction enables us to target our sales and product development efforts on network timing, medical wireless and line circuit initiatives to expand our presence in these markets, build deeper customer relationships and address immediate and long-term revenue growth opportunities."
With the sale of its Optical Products group, Zarlink is now focused on its key growth initiatives in the network timing, medical wireless and line circuit markets. These include:
"The sale of our Optical Products group follows our strategy of narrowing our focus to markets where we can maintain a strong leadership position, while improving operational efficiencies to build a more profitable business," said Kirk Mandy, President and CEO, Zarlink Semiconductor. "This transaction enables us to target our sales and product development efforts on network timing, medical wireless and line circuit initiatives to expand our presence in these markets, build deeper customer relationships and address immediate and long-term revenue growth opportunities."
With the sale of its Optical Products group, Zarlink is now focused on its key growth initiatives in the network timing, medical wireless and line circuit markets. These include:
- Network timing products that help carriers deliver time-sensitive voice, video, data and multimedia traffic over packet networks, including Timing-over-Packet and Synchronous Ethernet solutions for wireless backhaul and new ClockCenter products for optical transport networks (OTN);
- Medical wireless radio chips and modules enabling high-speed, ultra reliable communication between implanted medical devices, including pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and monitoring and programming equipment;
- Line circuit technology enabling high-quality telephone service over cable and broadband networks.
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