News

28 September 2009

 

Camtek acquiring TEM/SEM sample prep system maker SELA

Camtek Ltd of Migdal Ha'Emek, Israel, which manufactures automatic optical inspection (AOI) systems for printed circuit boards, high-density interconnect substrates, and semiconductor manufacturing and packaging, has agreed to acquire Semiconductor Engineering Laboratories Ltd (SELA).

Founded in 1992 in Yokneam, Israel, SELA develops and manufactures automated scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) sample preparation equipment for the semiconductor and optical components industries.

Camtek will pay SELA’s shareholders contingent future payments of up to $9.5m, based on SELA’s revenues.

With 26 staff and revenues of $3.8m and $4.4m in 2008 and 2007 respectively, SELA has more than 275 systems installed worldwide. Combined with Camtek’s infrastructure in manufacturing, sales, service, R&D and facilities, this should allow Camtek to increase its revenues, shorten the time-to-market of SELA's unique products, and strengthen its presence in the semiconductor market, the firm reckons.

Most recently, SELA introduced the Xact, the first TEM sample preparation tool using adaptive ion milling (AIM) technology, which is said to enhance focused ion beam (FIB) technology by reducing the sample thickness to below 30nm over a large area with high precision and throughput and with superior image quality. Camtek says that these attributes are essential for meeting the growing market requirements for nano-scale material analysis, including much reduced turnaround times and enhanced productivity. The trend for continuous device shrinks and material complexity increases utilization of TEM and hence the served available market for Xact, it is reckoned.

“This acquisition of SELA is directly aligned with our strategy of further enhancing Camtek’s position and presence in the semiconductor market, enabling us to further expand our offering to this market,” says Camtek's CEO Rafi Amit. “We intend to leverage Camtek’s global infrastructure, sales and support teams, manufacturing and facilities, to service SELA’s existing customer base, while targeting new customers.”

The transaction is expected to be completed in fourth-quarter 2009 (subject to the fulfillment of certain closing conditions).

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Visit: www.camtek.co.il

Visit: www.sela.com