Only buy KLAC at $36 support level and on its way up.
KLA-Tencor to Acquire AMRAY, Inc., a Leading Provider of SEM Defect Review Systems
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 1998--KLA-Tencor Corp. (NASDAQ:KLAC - news) today signed a definitive agreement to acquire AMRAY, Inc. (Bedford, Mass.), a privately owned, leading provider of scanning electron microscope (SEM) systems.
The acquisition of AMRAY will extend KLA-Tencor's highly integrated line monitoring solutions for semiconductor manufacturing by combining high-resolution SEM capabilities with advanced patterned wafer inspection tools and automated defect classification software.
The transaction will be accounted for as a pooling of interests and is expected to close by the end of April 1998, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. AMRAY will become a KLA-Tencor division with operations, including manufacturing, service and R&D, remaining in its state-of-the-art facility in Bedford. Gerald T. Cameron Jr., currently president of AMRAY, will report to Scott Landstrom, vice president and general manager of KLA-Tencor's Defect Review and Classification Division.
As semiconductor device geometries continue to shrink, SEM-based defect review will play an increasingly vital role. ''This acquisition fits our strategy of continuously extending our Intelligent Line Monitor solution to support production of the most advanced devices. Only KLA-Tencor offers the combination of the world's leading patterned wafer inspection tools, industry-proven ADC software and high-resolution SEM technology in an integrated solution,'' said Jon D. Tompkins, KLA-Tencor's CEO.
''Our IMPACT/Online ADC has already been selected by 15 of the top 18 semiconductor companies worldwide. By coupling these complementary technologies, we will be able to help customers process defect information more quickly, allowing rapid correction of yield excursions.''
AMRAY's Cameron added, ''We believe our customers will be well served by the combination of our two companies. This integration will allow us to leverage KLA-Tencor's global infrastructure for broader customer support, while simultaneously allowing us to focus our resources on more rapid new product development.''
AMRAY was founded in 1958 to specialize in electron optics for research and manufacturing applications. The company has introduced over 30 models of electron microscopes for a variety of applications, including material science and analytical chemistry, as well as semiconductor manufacturing.
Yield monitoring has become an increasingly critical part of the semiconductor manufacturing process, as it helps device makers increase productivity and profitability. The ability to rapidly classify captured defects is essential in accelerating yield ramps and correcting defect excursions. This acquisition extends KLA-Tencor's defect classification and review capabilities, which already include the Ultrapointe Confocal Laser Review Station (CRS).
''The addition of AMRAY's technology will strengthen KLA-Tencor's ability to offer a unique portfolio of leading SEM-based solutions,'' noted Tompkins. ''These advanced technologies are important in meeting our customers' needs for leading-edge devices now and in the future.'' KLA-Tencor's broader product portfolio includes the SEMSpec automated defect inspection system and the 8100XP CD SEM critical dimension metrology system.
About KLA-Tencor: KLA-Tencor is the world leader in yield management and process control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing and related industries. An S&P 500 company, KLA-Tencor is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol KLAC.
Company headquarters are located in San Jose, California, with sales offices worldwide. Additional information about the company is available on the Internet at kla-tencor.com.
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