Applied Materials Broadens its Technology Portfolio for Specialty Chips with Acquisition of Picosun

Rhea-AI Summary

Applied Materials has acquired Picosun Oy, a Finnish semiconductor equipment company, enhancing its capabilities in atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology for specialty semiconductors.

This acquisition aims to address the increasing demand for innovative chips in IoT, automotive, and communication sectors. The deal bolsters Applied’s ICAPS group by integrating Picosun's R&D expertise and strong industry connections.

The transaction received approval from Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs, although financial details remain undisclosed.

Positive

• Acquisition strengthens Applied's ICAPS product portfolio, expanding customer engagement.
• Integration of Picosun's ALD technology addresses the growing need for specialty semiconductors.
• Picosun's strong R&D capabilities and industry ties enhance Applied's innovation potential.

Negative

• None.

• Picosun’s atomic layer deposition technology expands the capabilities of Applied’s ICAPS group, addressing the growing need for innovation in semiconductors that serve the IoT, Communications, Automotive, Power and Sensor markets
  

SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Materials, Inc. today announced it has acquired Picosun Oy, a privately held semiconductor equipment company based in Espoo, Finland. Picosun is an innovator in atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology, primarily for specialty semiconductors.

As electronic products become smarter and more connected, they require greater numbers of specialty semiconductors built on non-leading-edge process nodes. Applied’s ICAPS (IoT, Communications, Automotive, Power and Sensors) group provides materials engineering solutions to customers in these growing markets. The addition of Picosun’s ALD technology broadens the Applied ICAPS product portfolio and customer engagements. Picosun also brings to Applied deep R&D capabilities, talented teams and strong relationships with leading research institutions and universities throughout the world.

“Picosun is a pioneer in ALD technology with products that serve fast-growing segments of the specialty foundry-logic market,” said Gary Dickerson, President and CEO of Applied Materials. “The addition of Picosun complements Applied Materials’ technology portfolio and expands our opportunities to accelerate our customers’ roadmaps.”

“Rapid growth in the number of connected devices is driving a tremendous need for innovation in the chips used to bridge the analog and digital worlds,” said Sundar Ramamurthy, Group Vice President and General Manager of the ICAPS group at Applied Materials. “Bringing Picosun’s talented team to Applied Materials will strengthen our ability to help customers add more intelligence and functionality to a wide variety of edge computing devices.”

“Picosun has a strong history of innovation, with roots dating back to the invention of ALD technology nearly 50 years ago,” said Kustaa Poutiainen, Former Chairman of the Board of Picosun. “As we look ahead to our next phase of growth, we believe starting a new journey as part of Applied Materials – a company we have long admired – is the best path forward and will create exciting opportunities for our employees, customers and research partners.”  

The Picosun team will continue to be based in Finland and will report into Applied’s ICAPS group.

The transaction has been approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland; no other regulatory approvals were required. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as financial advisor and Hogan Lovells US LLP served as legal counsel for Applied Materials.

About Applied Materials
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAT) is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality. At Applied Materials, our innovations make possible a better future. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

About Picosun
Picosun provides the most advanced ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) thin film coating solutions for global industries. Picosun’s ALD solutions enable a technological leap into the future, with turn-key production processes and unmatched, pioneering expertise in the field – dating back to the invention of the technology itself. Today, PICOSUN® ALD equipment are in daily manufacturing use in numerous leading industries around the world. Picosun is based in Finland, with subsidiaries in Germany, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, China mainland and Taiwan, offices in India and France, and a world-wide sales and support network. Visit www.picosun.com.

Contact:
Ricky Gradwohl (editorial/media) 408.235.4676
Michael Sullivan (financial community) 408.986.7977

FAQ

What is the significance of Applied Materials acquiring Picosun?

The acquisition enhances Applied's technology portfolio, particularly in atomic layer deposition, addressing the need for innovative semiconductors.

How will the acquisition of Picosun impact Applied Materials' business?

It will expand Applied's product offerings in the ICAPS segment and strengthen its ability to meet the growing demand for specialty semiconductors.

When was the acquisition of Picosun by Applied Materials announced?

The acquisition was announced on June 16, 2022.

What are the expected benefits of Applied Materials acquiring Picosun?

The acquisition is expected to boost innovation in semiconductor production for IoT, automotive, and communication sectors.

Did the acquisition of Picosun by Applied Materials require regulatory approval?

Yes, the transaction was approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland.