Mephisto, I must admit to not knowing enough about the Etec Systems acquisition. There's a message board on Etec, with quite a bit of info since the announcement (Jan. 12) that AMAT would swap 0.649 shares for 1 Etec each (or did I get that backwards? I'm confused.).
Etec Systems makes reticle manufacturing systems. This is analogous to what AMAT does for chips: They make the equipment that makes the chips. Etec makes the equipment that makes the reticles. Both involve similar processing steps, but the substrate, chemicals and outcomes are different overall. Still, being able to supply reticle making equipment as well as reticle testing tools (an earlier AMAT acquisition) goes along with AMAT's avowed target of "one stop shopping" for tools for the IC industry.
The only exception to this general target so far has been photolithography cameras, as are produced by ASM Lithography, Nikon, Canon, Ultratech Steppers, and so on.
Maybe Jim Morgan will buy Mulith?? <not holding my breath>
OT from here....
I like Seattle, although it's been a while since my last visit. Even in the mid-80's it was apparent that the bridge-crossing problem would be a major issue. We're rapidly approaching the same teacher crisis you mentioned, at all levels of education, and not just in Austin proper-- All the surrounding communities are feeling the heat. Where will it end? I dunno, but if my (soon to be greatly increased) taxes went more for that, I wouldn't mind so much.
The lottery here was supposed to be the savior of our public education system. So far, it hasn't been....
Mitch |
