Applied Materials' planned acquisition of Varian Semiconductor receives clearance from Ministry of Commerce of People's Republic of China

SANTA CLARA, USA: Applied Materials Inc. announced that it has received notice from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) that it has approved the company's proposed acquisition of Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates Inc. pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 3, 2011.

The MOFCOM clearance is the last of the regulatory approvals required to complete the merger. Applied expects to close the merger on November 10, 2011 subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all remaining closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement.