News Article
Applied Materials to expand nanomanufacturing technology solutions
Applied Materials, Inc. and Applied Films Corporation announced that they have signed a definitive agreement for Applied Materials to acquire Applied Films. This acquisition will complement Applied Materials' thin film nanomanufacturing technology capabilities and provide Applied Materials with an opportunity to expand into growing new markets
"The acquisition of Applied Films expands our flat panel business to offer colour filter products, and opens the fast-growing solar market for us," said Mike Splinter, president and CEO of Applied Materials. "Both companies have a strong history of developing new and innovative technologies. Together, we expect to speed the development and availability of new products for a variety of emerging applications."Applied Films' PVD (physical vapour deposition)-based flat panel display products align well with Applied Materials' existing FPD thin film deposition capabilities. "The acquisition is also anticipated to provide growth opportunities for Applied Materials in solar cell as well as flexible electronics applications where our combined knowledge and capabilities will enable us to bring a new level of expertise to these expanding markets," said Mark Pinto, senior vice president and chief technical officer of Applied Materials. "In solar cell manufacturing, we expect to help customers deliver higher levels of output at lower production cost -- a critical step to making alternative forms of clean energy more available and affordable. By combining Applied Films' existing platforms with Applied Materials' broad process portfolio and global customer relationships, we can also accelerate a number of new applications for electronics on flexible substrates.""We are excited by the opportunity to join a global leader that has provided innovative technology benefiting the electronics industry for nearly 40 years," commented Thomas T. Edman, president and CEO of Applied Films. "We look forward to having the substantial expertise and resources of Applied Materials to drive new applications, innovations and efficiencies for our global customer base -- while providing the potential to reach many new customers."
