PRI Automation Acquires Waferstate Controls, Inc.
Strategic Purchase Complements PRI's Leading Semiconductor Management Software and Services
BILLERICA, Mass., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- PRI Automation, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRIA - news), a global leader in factory automation systems, software, and services to the semiconductor industry, today announced the acquisition of WaferState Controls, Inc. of Round Rock, Texas, a leading advanced process control (APC) consulting and services firm delivering unique APC software, technology and service solutions since 1998. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
``PRI's acquisition of WaferState Controls, Inc. demonstrates the company's commitment to helping our semiconductor clients optimize manufacturing processes for better performance, increased productivity, and higher profits,'' said Richard Vatcher, vice president and general manager of PRI's Software Division. ``WaferState is a recognized global leader of consulting services in the areas of run-to-run control for CMP and Lithography equipment and fault detection for Etch equipment. Tony Mullins, WaferState's President will lead PRI's new APC Services Practice and I look forward to his leadership in APC consulting contributing to PRI's systems offerings.''
``WaferState mirrors PRI's strategy of providing complete fab optimization and is proud to have the opportunity to contribute to that vision with our advanced control and optimization solutions,'' said Tony Mullins, president of WaferState. ``WaferState looks forward to driving the formation of an APC Practice within PRI Automation, while continuing to influence and participate in the further development of systems and solutions for that market. WaferState has provided assistance in the model and controller development areas, including supervisory fab applications like run-to-run control or fault detection, and real-time applications like RTP control, to meet customers' performance criteria.''
WaferState's proprietary FabRunner solution incorporates innovative methods for handling missing and out-of-order measurements -- which so often plague semiconductor manufacturers attempting advanced process control. The solution helps customers optimize tool yields through its use of real-time data to continually adjust process control -- ensuring that the control of workflow is on target and helps to keep equipment within specification.
FabRunner and APC consulting services attained through this acquisition are a key part of PRI's P300 solution that was announced during SEMICON West last week. The P300 solution provides a completely integrated, component-based software solution, specifically designed to provide an overall lower cost, a quicker implementation, and a faster semiconductor fab ramp-up. Along with the integrated components within P300, PRI offers integration and support services to help customers design, install, and support their semiconductor CIM environments.
About PRI Automation
PRI Automation, Inc., headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts, is a leading global supplier of advanced factory automation systems, software, and services that optimize the productivity of semiconductor and precision electronics manufacturers as well as OEM process tool manufacturers. PRI is the only company to provide a tightly-integrated and flexible hardware and software solution that optimizes the flow of products, data, materials and resources throughout the production chain. The company has thousands of systems installed at approximately one hundred locations throughout the world. For more information, visit PRI online at www.pria.com.
About WaferState Controls
WaferState Controls, Inc. was founded in 1998 with the mission to transfer advanced control knowledge proven in other industries to semiconductor device and equipment manufacturers. Based in Round Rock, Texas, WaferState assists key customers -- including KLA-Tencor, Motorola, PRI, Samsung and UMC -- in the development and deployment of control systems using state-of-the-art algorithms and methods developed by WaferState. The WaferState(TM) FabRunner software contains proprietary algorithms, which provide superior performance in addressing semiconductor run-to-run control problems. For more information, visit WaferState online at www.waferstate.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release includes forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements relating to the expected benefits of PRI Automation products. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include; (i) the manner in which the customer uses the products and integrates them with other third party components; (ii) the ability of the Company to continue to successfully develop and market new products and product enhancements on a timely basis; (iii) the cyclicality of the semiconductor industry and the rapid technological change that characterizes the industry in which the Company competes; (iv) uncertainties affecting global markets and currencies, the effects of possible delays by semiconductor manufacturers in the adoption of 300mm wafer manufacturing and other new technologies, (v) changes in our product sales mix; (vi) competitive factors, such as introduction of new products or technologies by our competitors, and pricing pressures; (vii) the possible impact of any mergers and acquisitions activity by the Company and its ability to successfully integrate and operate any acquired businesses; (viii) business and economic conditions affecting the semiconductor manufacturing equipment industry generally; (ix) and other factors identified in our registration statement on Form S-3, file number 333- 34584, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 12, 2000 and amended thereafter. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this release. |
