Hitachi High-Technologies has reached an agreement with Renesas
Technology for the transfer of its Japan-based semiconductor
manufacturing equipment business to Hitachi High-Tech Instruments
Co.
Both companies are related and the equipment produced by Renesas
Eastern Japan Semiconductor has been sold by Hitachi
High-Technologies for some time.
The companies now feel there are benefits for integration of
development, manufacturing and sales activities.
The business transfer comes as Renesas is in the process of merging
its semiconductor product business with NEC.
See:
Renesas/NEC merger creates 'leader', says
Trowbridge
It reflects a plan to reorganise its production structure.
Hitachi High-Tech Instruments said it will apply its experience in
surface mount systems and semiconductor manufacturing equipment
businesses to expand business.
Based on the outcome of this process, Hitachi High-Technologies,
Hitachi High-Tech Instruments, Renesas, and Renesas Eastern Japan
Semiconductor are scheduled to sign a final contract in December
2009.