Mergers & acquisitions
Mattson Technology has completed the acquisition of Vortek Industries, a developer of millisecond flash annealing technology based in Vancouver, Canada (Bulletin 539, July 1, 2004). As payment for the acquisition, Mattson issued 1.45mn shares of common stock to the former holders of debt and equity ownership interests in Vortek. In addition, certain tax refunds to be received by Vortek in the future will be paid to the former Vortek shareholders. During the interim period between the acquisition announcement and closing, Mattson provided $2.5mn in working capital loans to Vortek.
"The acquisition of Vortek, along with our strong RTP product portfolio, will enhance Mattson Technology's ability to address the challenging sub-65nm technology requirements as defined by our customers," says David L Dutton, president and CEO of Mattson Technology. "The Mattson and Vortek teams are collaborating and integrating efforts to ensure that we are prepared to ship the first flash millisecond annealing beta system in Q4 of this year."
Matheson Tri-Gas has successfully completed its purchase of six air separation plants and related assets from Air Liquide. The transaction involves mainly liquid gas and distribution operations, as well as certain pipeline assets located in the southern and western parts of the USA. The semiconductor industry constitutes part of Matheson Tri-Gas' customer base.