Nanometrics Acquires Nanda
Technologies
Adding Unique Optical
Technology for Macro Defect Inspection
November 21, 2011 Milpitas, CA --
Nanometrics Incorporated (Nasdaq: NANO), a leading supplier of
solutions for advanced process control, today announced the
acquisition of Nanda Technologies, GmbH (“Nanda”) of Munich,
Germany. Nanda has developed a high-throughput, high-sensitivity
defect inspection technology for semiconductor manufacturing. With
this acquisition, Nanometrics adds a highly differentiated and
leading-edge macro defect inspection technology to its portfolio of
industry-leading metrology solutions.
Nanda’s proprietary SPARK technology is unique in the semiconductor
industry in that it captures full-wafer surface inspection images –
at high-volume production speeds– allowing customers to achieve
precise wafer inspection and 100% device sampling for today’s most
advanced technology nodes. The SPARK platform supports a wide range
of surface materials and topographies, and is expected to address a
$300 to $400 million served market opportunity that is incremental
to the metrology segments currently served by Nanometrics’ optical
process control products.
“We are excited to welcome the Nanda team to Nanometrics, as their
unique technology, product platform and proprietary analytical
software provide an ideal complement to our optical metrology
business,” said Dr. Timothy J. Stultz, Nanometrics’ president and
chief executive officer. “This acquisition supports our strategy to
expand our served markets and focus on the fastest-growing segments
of process control. The significant competitive advantages and high
customer value of the SPARK system, as well as the synergies with
our existing product portfolio, will make this acquisition a
meaningful contributor to our business within the next few years.”
“Nanometrics’ leadership in process control, global infrastructure
and strong customer relationships will accelerate the adoption of
SPARK technology,” commented Dr. Lars Markwort, CEO of Nanda
Technologies, who with the closing of the acquisition becomes
general manager of Nanometrics’ Inspection business unit. “SPARK
systems are already deployed at several top-tier customers in
multiple application segments. These customers welcome and will
benefit from Nanometrics’ global infrastructure, including
comprehensive applications and product support in all key regional
locations.”
In consideration for the acquisition of Nanda, Nanometrics has paid
approximately $23 million in cash. The transaction is expected to
have a negative EPS impact of $0.03 to $0.05 for the fourth quarter
of 2011, comprised of transaction costs, purchase accounting charges
and a partial quarter of Nanda operating expenses. The equity
purchase includes facilities, staff, intellectual property, and
technology assets, and establishes the SPARK team as the center of
excellence for inspection technology within Nanometrics.
About Nanometrics
Nanometrics is a leading provider of advanced, high-performance
process control metrology and inspection systems used primarily in
the fabrication of semiconductors, high-brightness LEDs, data
storage devices and solar photovoltaics. Nanometrics’ automated and
integrated metrology and inspection systems provide for control of
critical dimensions, device structures, overlay registration,
topography, thin film properties, including film thickness as well
as optical, electrical and material properties. The company’s
process control solutions are deployed throughout the fabrication
process, from front-end-of-line substrate manufacturing, to
high-volume production of semiconductors and other devices, to
advanced wafer-scale packaging applications. Nanometrics’ systems
enable device manufacturers to improve yields, increase productivity
and lower their manufacturing costs. The company maintains its
headquarters in Milpitas, California, with sales and service offices
worldwide. Nanometrics is traded on NASDAQ Select Global Market
under the symbol NANO. Nanometrics’ website is
www.nanometrics.com.
About Nanda
Nanda Technologies designs, sells and manufactures fully automated
wafer inspection systems used in the semiconductor fabrication
process. Based on an innovative full-wafer technology, the Nanda
system is able to inspect wafers at extremely high throughput while
maintaining the sensitivity required to monitor critical process
excursions. Nanda Technologies was founded in 2006 by seasoned
executives of the capital metrology equipment industry and is a
supplier to semiconductor manufacturers worldwide. Its 27 employees
are located in Munich, Germany. More information is available at
www.nanda-tech.com.
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