Riber S.A. of Bezons, France, which manufactures molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) systems as well as evaporation sources and effusion cells, has acquired MBE Control Solutions of Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
Founded in 2005 by chairman & CEO Andy Jackson, MBE Control Solutions is said to be one of California's leading MBE service and equipment firms. Using its software and automation expertise, the firm operates maintenance and refurbishment services covering all types of MBE systems, with its quality of service and responsiveness aided by infrastructure that includes cleanroom, CNC power tools, etc.
By enabling better regional and commercial coverage, the acquisition is expected to strengthen Riber's customer service activities in the USA. More specifically, as the networks of Riber and MBE Control Solutions merge, it should strengthen Riber's competitive position throughout America. Jackson will head the firm's operations in the USA.
MBE Control Solutions employs five people and generated revenue of $1.2m in 2014. Due to its streamlined cost structure, the acquisition of MBE Control Solutions is expected to be accretive for Riber. The acquisition will be financed by using virtually all the treasury shares held by Riber, which were assigned to the objective of external growth (representing nearly 1% of Riber's capital).
"By combining Riber's extensive portfolio of sources and systems with our advanced manufacturing capabilities and expertise in MBE process control, we will be able to serve our customers more effectively," reckons Jackson. "Furthermore, Riber's global commercial network will provide a much broader audience for our products. Finally and perhaps most importantly, our alliance with Riber is the opportunity to continue innovating and improving our products and services," he adds.
"Our acquisition of MBE Control Solutions will enable us to ramp up our development in a vital market for semiconductor research and innovation," comments Frédérick Goutard, chairman of Riber's executive board. "The operational and commercial synergies between our two companies will pave the way for us to significantly strengthen the quality of our services and our growth forecasts in North America," he reckons. "I am delighted that Andy Jackson and his team are joining Riber. Their vast experience and knowledge of the market will be crucial assets as we continue moving forward with our project for profitable growth together".
