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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

"MATERIALS: Metrology specialist Semilab acquires AMS, QC Solutions"


Semilab Co. Ltd. (Budapest, Hungary) has acquired two Massachusetts-based metrology companies, Advanced Metrology Systems (AMS) and QC Solutions. The combined U.S. operations will be called Semilab AMS (Burlington, Mass.) and will be headed by the former AMS CEO Christopher Moore. Last year, Semilab acquired French metrology equipment specialist Sopra SA and metrology specialist SSM Inc. (Pittsburgh). With the acquisition of AMS and QC Solutions, Semilabs said it hopes to increase its presence among larger vendors.

BOTTOM LINE: Metrology allows chip makers to measure defects in integrated circuits after they are manufacturered, an essential function to perfect designs and insure quality control. Semilab already had a presence on the world stage, but by using its cash-on-hand to consolidate its access to major semiconductor vendors, it should emerge from the recession in a stronger position.

Text: http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=216401994