Asyst in multiple asset purchase agreements as it nears Chapter 11 restructuring completion

FREMONT, USA: Asyst Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of semiconductor manufacturing productivity solutions, announced it has entered into asset purchase agreements to sell its three business operations as it completes its restructuring plan.

Crossing Automation has agreed to acquire Asyst’s Fab Automation assets with The PEER Group agreeing to acquire Asyst’s Connectivity Software assets. Murata Machinery Ltd. has agreed to acquire Asyst’s AMHS-related US assets.

Each of the three pending transactions compliments the core capabilities of the respective purchaser and taken together they maximize the value of Asyst's assets and intellectual property for the Company's stakeholders.

Fab automation
Crossing Automation, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of integrated vacuum wafer handling systems, has agreed to acquire the assets of Asyst's market-leading Fab Automation business, which designs and markets loadports, EFEMs, wafer sorters, and RFID devices for semiconductor and semiconductor equipment manufacturers.

“We have been looking for an entry point into the complimentary atmospheric wafer handling market since our official market entry last year,” stated Jed Keller, President and CEO for Crossing Automation. “The fact that we have been able to come to agreement to acquire the leading provider of such technology puts us in an extremely strong position to service the semiconductor equipment market with a complete set of automation solutions that help manufacturers improve reliability and drive down cost.”

Connectivity software
The PEER Group Inc., a software development and consulting firm serving the semiconductor, automotive, electronics and life sciences industries, will be acquiring the Asyst Connectivity Software business.

Mike Kropp, PEER Group's Chief Operating Officer, said: “Asyst's market-leading connectivity products are the basis for tens of thousands of production automation connections around the world. Leveraging their solid technology foundation and large installed base will enable us to more rapidly implement our strategy to bring manufacturing productivity solutions to both the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries.”

Automated material handling
In addition, Asyst and Murata Machinery Ltd, a diversified manufacturer of logistics and automation equipment and systems, have agreed that Muratec will purchase the US assets from Asyst's intellectual property associated with new products relating to the Company's Automated Material Handling Systems business. This transaction also includes the U.S. AMHS field service and installation business.

Paula LuPriore, Asyst's Chief Restructuring Officer, said: "These acquisitions will not only preserve our customers' investments but will also provide them with a great opportunity to take advantage of a broader set of capabilities without the need to replace existing systems.

"We are especially grateful to our customers and suppliers for the confidence and support they have demonstrated throughout Asyst's restructuring period to date. Beginning immediately, our energies will be focused on our global customer base and working with each of these partners to assure a smooth transition.

"Throughout the transition period and beyond, Asyst customers will continue to receive product licenses, upgrades, and technical support as provided in our existing contracts."

Each one of the proposed transaction agreements is subject to final court approval in the Company's restructuring proceeding pursuant to Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California (Oakland) (Case Number 09-43246-RJN). The closing of these transactions is expected no later than the end of August 2009.

The Company directs interested parties to http://www.canb.uscourts.gov for copies of the proposed transaction agreements referenced above.