Evatec Ltd of Flums, Switzerland, which makes thin-film deposition and etch processing equipment for semiconductor, MEMS, optical and optoelectronic applications, has agreed to acquire the Advanced Technologies Segment of Oerlikon of Pfffikon, Switzerland to expand its existing thin-film deposition systems business. The transaction is expected to close during first-quarter 2015.
Specifically, Evatec says that it is continuing its rapid growth by acquiring the Semiconductor & Nanotechnology businesses of Oerlikon’s Advanced Technologies Segment. The firm reckons that both capital equipment businesses are well positioned in their respective markets by delivering complete thin-film production solutions and services worldwide.
Oerlikon notes that, for its Advanced Technologies Segment, applications for the semiconductor market include advanced packaging, power devices, read/write heads for hard disks, LEDs and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). Solutions in the nanotechnology sector comprise photovoltaics, touch panels and thermoelectrics. Oerlikon adds that in 2013 the Advanced Technologies Segment generated sales of CHF114m and EBIT of CHF4m, and that the 200 staff will be taken on by Evatec. The divestment of the segment marks Oerlikon’s 11th strategic transaction since 2010, allowing it to further allocate resources and management attention to areas of strategic importance: “another step toward repositioning and balancing our portfolio, and focusing on our core growth businesses,” says Oerlikon’s CEO Dr Brice Koch.
Evatec says that the acquisition brings an enhanced technology portfolio and opens up possibilities to exploit synergies in technology and process expertise for access to new markets and overall business growth.
As home of the Balzers BAK evaporator, the MSP and the Radiance sputter tools, Evatec delivers thin-film deposition solutions for optoelectronic, semiconductor and optical applications. After continuous growth since its foundation in 2004, it has already delivered more than 300 systems and supports an installed base of 1500 systems with global services and retrofits.
