Applied, Brooks to form wafer handling JV?
By Silicon Strategies
07/29/2003 7:00 PM EST
URL: siliconstrategies.com
BOSTON -- There are plenty of rumors circulating about Applied Materials Inc. and Brooks Automation Inc. these days.
In fact, the two companies are apparently in talks to form a joint venture, which will co-develop factory interfaces for Applied Materials' line of fab gear, according to a report from investment banking firm Fechtor, Detwiler & Co. Inc.
"Applied Materials acquiring Brooks has been a rumor circulating equipment industry circles since early this year," according to the report from the Boston-based company.
"While our channel sources are close to this and have kept us informed as the relationship has progressed between the two, we are told that the outcome will look more like a joint venture," according to the report. "According to our sources, the JV will manufacture Applied-designed, 300-mm factory interfaces exclusively for Applied," the report said.
Wafer-handling supplier Brooks is walking on a tightrope, however. The company also supplies factory interfaces to Applied's competitors, such as KLA-Tencor, Novellus, and others.
But the reported venture with Applied could be a big deal for Brooks of Chelmsford, Mass. "Although Brooks got off to a rough start early this year, we are told that the situation is turning around, and it appears that the company may be again a force to be reckoned with in the market," according to the report.
The company recently rolled out a new automated material handling system, dubbed the One Fab. It is also expected to receive some business from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.'s new fab, of which some call the Phase II order, according to the report.
The moves will "provide Brooks with the opportunity it needs to become dominant over its rivals Asyst-Shinko and Daifuku," the report said.
Not to be outdone, Brooks is moving its flat-panel display equipment venture from Chelmsford to Korea. "This is a very strategic move for Brooks, as the majority of FPD manufacturers are in Korea--the biggest being Samsung, which is a majority owner in the venture," the report said.
"We believe that FPDs will be a key driver in the next recovery, and note that BRKS is well positioned to take full advantage of this dynamic," it added. |
