Atmel announces proposed sale to LFoundry GmbH of manufacturing operation in Rousset, France

SAN JOSE, USA: Atmel Corp. announced that LFoundry GmbH has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Atmel Rousset for the purchase of Atmel's wafer fabrication operation in Rousset, France.

In accordance with French law, Atmel has presented the proposed acquisition to the employee representatives of the Works Council in Rousset. The Works Council is expected to render its opinion on the proposed transaction in the first quarter of 2010. If Atmel receives the approval of the Works Council, Atmel will seek authorization from its Board of Directors to enter into a definitive agreement with LFoundry GmbH. Proposed terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"We are excited by the potential combination of LFoundry and our Rousset, France wafer fab operations which establishes Europe's largest analog and mixed-signal foundry and provides a socially responsible transition plan and continuation of employment opportunities for our workers in Rousset," said Steven Laub, Atmel's President and Chief Executive Officer.

"We are impressed by LFoundry's track record and look forward to a long-term partnership as Atmel plans to enter into a multi-year supply agreement with LFoundry. As previously announced, we are continuing to explore strategic alternatives for our ASIC business as part of our strategy to focus on our core, high growth, microcontroller business."

"We are very pleased and excited about the opportunity to acquire a state-of-the-art manufacturing operation that advances our technical capabilities as a leading-edge analog silicon foundry," said Michael Lehnert, LFoundry Chief Executive Officer.

"This proposed acquisition positions the combined company as the largest analog and mixed-signal pure play foundry in Europe and is very strategic to our mission of rapidly growing our foundry business and providing unparalleled flexibility and support to our global customer base."

Based on the proposed terms of the sale, Atmel expects to record a non-cash impairment charge not to exceed $200 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.