Mattson to sell AG Associates RTP tool line to Metron
FREMONT, Calif. -- In a move to spin off mature chip-fabrication tools, Mattson Technology Inc. today announced it will sell its AG Associates rapid-thermal processing (RTP) product line to Metron Technology N.V., a supplier of wafer fab support and maintenance services based in Burlingame, Calif.
The sale will help Mattson focus more of its attention on development and support of new RTP tool, said David L. Dutton, president and chief executive officer of the Fremont-based company. Mattson is struggling to cut losses after being blindsided by the severe industry downturn last year while attempting to merge a couple of acquisitions into its operations. Mattson obtained the AG Associates RTP product line when it acquired the semiconductor equipment division of Steag Electronics Systems AG (see Jan. 3, 2001, story).
"We are transitioning these mature products to Metron Technology to allow us to focus on enhancing our leading-edge 2000 and 3000 series RTP products while developing the next generation of innovative RTP tools," Dutton said. Terms of the sale to Metron were not released.
Upon the closing of the sale, which is scheduled for March 12, Metron will assume exclusive ownership of the 4000 and 8000 series RTP product line and begin distribution of spare parts for the installed base from its service locations in Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States.
Metron will manufacture and refurbish the AG Associates RTP systems as part of its growing "legacy" systems business at a newly renovated facility in Scotland and in a plant in Silicon Valley, which the company will sub-lease from Mattson. Metron will provide sales, marketing, and technical support for these products worldwide, with the exception of Japan, where Canon Sales Company Inc. is the authorized distributor.
"This acquisition is a significant step in Metron's move into equipment manufacturing and allows us to further leverage our global sales and service infrastructure," said Dennis Riccio, president and chief operating officer of the Burlingame-based company.
A pioneer in single-wafer RTP tools, AG Associates of San Jose was sold to Steag Electronics Systems of Germany about four years ago.
Meanwhile, Mattson this week rescheduled its release of fourth-quarter and 2001 financial results, which were originally scheduled to be issued on Monday but have been pushed back to Thursday. Mattson said the rescheduling was needed to provide additional time for completion of the accounting for year-end financial results, which include the acquisition of CFM Technologies Inc. and Steag's semiconductor equipment division. |
