re: MKSI
RTS & All,
MKSI goes on hunting. That might have been the reason for their rise. The firm they buy is an Israeli based outfit - process controls..
Here's the link.. biz.yahoo.com
MKS Instruments Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Tenta Technology Ltd.
Leading process control subsystem provider expands MKS market penetration
ANDOVER, Mass., March 7 MKS Instruments, Inc. (Nasdaq: MKSI - news), a leading supplier of instruments, components and subsystems used to measure, control, power and analyze semiconductor and other advanced thin-film manufacturing processes, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tenta Technology, Ltd., a privately held company, for a combination of cash and stock. The acquisition supports MKS' strategy to integrate technologies surrounding the semiconductor equipment process chamber, and enhances MKS' position in distributed computer-based process control and data management. The transaction, which is subject to certain closing conditions, is expected to be completed in the first calendar quarter of 2002 and is anticipated to be additive to MKS' cash earnings per share in 2002.
Tenta, with approximately 40 employees in Tel Aviv, Israel and Sunnyvale, California, is a leading supplier of modular, computer-based process control systems used to control semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Tenta products are designed for 300 mm tool applications, and feature compact size, flexible open architectures, and a real-time, Java(TM)-based embedded control platform to enable manufacturing equipment with web connectivity and e-diagnostics.
``As semiconductor device equipment manufacturers transition to smaller dimension devices on larger wafers, they require more advanced process control and information management,'' said John Bertucci, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of MKS. ``They are turning to expert suppliers to help them control the components and subsystems surrounding the process chambers and manage the data from those components and subsystems in order to boost their 300 mm tool manufacturing productivity. This acquisition will increase the value we bring to our customers. Tenta's leading-edge controllers can be integrated with our digital network products to provide our customers a more complete process control solution.''
Ron Hadar, Tenta co-founder who would become General Manager of MKS' Tenta Products Group after the transaction closes, added, ``Tenta has a strong technical team with many years of experience in semiconductor equipment design and manufacture. We understand our customers' tool control needs and have responded rapidly with powerful, next-generation process control solutions. As part of MKS, we can expand our product lines, and integrate our technology with other MKS products. In addition, we will be able to leverage MKS' global sales, support and manufacturing infrastructure to better serve customers around the world.''
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Tenta's process control subsystems are expected to become part of MKS' technologically advanced product portfolio for controlling critical process parameters of flow, pressure, composition, energy and information for the semiconductor, thin-film and other markets. Specific product lines include Baratron® pressure measurement and control products, HPS® vacuum subsystem products, Mass-Flo® advanced materials delivery products, Spectra(TM) process monitor products, On-Line(TM) gas and thin film metrology products, DIP(TM) digital process control network products, ASTeX® reactive gas generator products, and ENI® power delivery products.
Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc.
MKS Instruments, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, manufacturer and supplier of instruments, components and subsystems used to measure, control and analyze gases in semiconductor manufacturing and similar industrial manufacturing processes, and a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of reactive gas generation and power delivery products. MKS sold products to more than 4,000 customers in 2001. In addition to semiconductors, MKS' products are used in processes to manufacture a diverse range of products, such as optical filters, fiber optic cables, flat panel displays, magnetic and optical storage media, medical equipment, architectural glass, solar panels and gas lasers.
This release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding future events or the future financial performance of MKS. These projections or statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the projections or other forward-looking statements set forth herein. Among the important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those in the projections or other forward-looking statements are the failure of the parties to close the transaction, the failure of the combined business to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction, the challenges and risks involved with integrating the operations of MKS and acquired companies, potential fluctuations in quarterly results, dependence on new product development, rapid technological and market change, acquisition strategy, manufacturing and sourcing risks, volatility of stock price, international operations, financial risk management, and future growth subject to risks. Readers are referred to MKS' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for a discussion of these and other important risk factors concerning MKS and its operations. MKS is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE: MKS Instruments, Inc. |
