Posted: 01.02.2010 Go Back Print This Article

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Cascade snaps up SUSS test division

Cascade Microtech acquires test systems division of SUSS MicroTec

Cascade Microtech has announced that it has acquired the semiconductor test systems business of SUSS MicroTec AG., a German public company. The test systems business specializes in wafer-level test solutions for devices under test (DUT), and strengthens Cascade Microtech's position as a worldwide leader in the design, development and manufacture of advanced wafer probing solutions for the electrical measurement and test of semiconductor integrated circuits and chips.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cascade Microtech has acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of SUSS MicroTec Test Systems GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of SUSS MicroTec AG, plus other related assets. The purchase price, which is subject to a post-closing purchase price adjustment, consists of a fixed amount and an amount placed in escrow. The fixed component amounts to EUR 4.5 million ($6.3 million) of which EUR 2.0 million ($2.8 million) was paid in cash and EUR 2.5 million ($3.5 million) was paid in shares of Cascade Microtech common stock. In addition, an amount of EUR 2.5 million ($3.5 million) has been placed in escrow and will be released to the seller upon meeting certain post-sale conditions. SUSS MicroTec Test Systems GmbH revenue for 2008 was EUR 25.0 million ($35.0 million) and EUR 10.6 million ($14.8 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Cascade Microtech expects the acquisition to be accretive by the end of 2010.

The acquisition of SUSS MicroTec Test Systems GmbH should afford Cascade Microtech the opportunity to leverage its position and focus the necessary resources towards significant efforts in achieving leading-edge customer solutions to address accelerated growth markets.
Chip manufacturers today are creating complex devices of unprecedented performance, features and functionality, straining traditional test methodologies. The industry continues to drive down geometries used in a variety of applications following Moore's Law. The leading-edge test technology of Cascade Microtech, enhanced by this acquisition, should provide a market opportunity to engage and satisfy the test demands created by this continual drive to smaller devices.

These expanded core competencies should enable Cascade Microtech to further support and fulfill customers' complex semiconductor probing and measurement requirements. Additional customer benefits include an expanded global service network and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and technology leadership.

"This is a key strategic move for Cascade Microtech which strengthens our product portfolio and leverages our combined resources and competencies," said F. Paul Carlson, Chairman and CEO, Cascade Microtech, Inc. "We now have the critical mass to focus on the technical challenges our customers have in developing semiconductor processes and designing devices into the next decade. This acquisition should enable us to aggressively address emerging applications such as 3D TSV, LED, and MEMS that are on an accelerated growth curve."

"SUSS Test Systems' experience in 3D, LED and MEMS test applications is a natural complement to Cascade Microtech's legacy of innovations in semiconductor probe technology," said Frank P. Averdung, President and CEO of SUSS MicroTec. "Being a leader in manufacturing equipment for 3D Integration, we anticipate future collaboration with Cascade Microtech in order to address the complex issues in developing and testing 3D TSVs."