Nanometrics acquires Nanda Technologies

MILPITAS, USA: Nanometrics Inc., a leading supplier of solutions for advanced process control, announced the acquisition of Nanda Technologies, GmbH of Munich, Germany. Nanda has developed a high-throughput, high-sensitivity defect inspection technology for semiconductor manufacturing. With this acquisition, Nanometrics adds a highly differentiated and leading-edge macro defect inspection technology to its portfolio of industry-leading metrology solutions.

Nanda’s proprietary SPARK technology is unique in the semiconductor industry in that it captures full-wafer surface inspection images – at high-volume production speeds – allowing customers to achieve precise wafer inspection and 100 percent device sampling for today’s most advanced technology nodes. The SPARK platform supports a wide range of surface materials and topographies, and is expected to address a $300 to $400 million served market opportunity that is incremental to the metrology segments currently served by Nanometrics’ optical process control products.

“We are excited to welcome the Nanda team to Nanometrics, as their unique technology, product platform and proprietary analytical software provide an ideal complement to our optical metrology business,” said Dr. Timothy J. Stultz, Nanometrics’ president and CEO. “This acquisition supports our strategy to expand our served markets and focus on the fastest-growing segments of process control. The significant competitive advantages and high customer value of the SPARK system, as well as the synergies with our existing product portfolio, will make this acquisition a meaningful contributor to our business within the next few years.”

“Nanometrics’ leadership in process control, global infrastructure and strong customer relationships will accelerate the adoption of SPARK technology,” commented Dr. Lars Markwort, CEO of Nanda Technologies, who with the closing of the acquisition becomes general manager of Nanometrics’ Inspection business unit. “SPARK systems are already deployed at several top-tier customers in multiple application segments. These customers welcome and will benefit from Nanometrics’ global infrastructure, including comprehensive applications and product support in all key regional locations.”

In consideration for the acquisition of Nanda, Nanometrics has paid approximately $23 million in cash. The transaction is expected to have a negative EPS impact of $0.03 to $0.05 for the fourth quarter of 2011, comprised of transaction costs, purchase accounting charges and a partial quarter of Nanda operating expenses. The equity purchase includes facilities, staff, intellectual property, and technology assets, and establishes the SPARK team as the center of excellence for inspection technology within Nanometrics.