News

1 February 2010

 

Cascade acquires SUSS MicroTec Test Systems

Cascade Microtech Inc of Beaverton, OR, USA, which provides production test products including unique probe cards and test sockets for wafers, ICs, packages, circuit boards and modules, as well as MEMS and LED devices, has acquired SUSS MicroTec Test Systems GmbH, the semiconductor test systems subsidiary of SUSS MicroTec AG of Garching near Munich, Germany. The test systems business specializes in wafer-level test solutions for devices under test (DUT), and strengthens Cascade’s position in the design, development and manufacture of wafer probing solutions for the electrical measurement and test of integrated circuits and chips.

The purchase price (subject to a post-closing purchase price adjustment) consists of a fixed amount of €4.5m ($6.3m) — €2m ($2.8m) was paid in cash and €2.5m ($3.5m) in shares — plus €2.5m ($3.5m) in escrow (to be released to the seller upon meeting certain post-sale conditions). SUSS MicroTec Test Systems GmbH revenue was €25m ($35m) for 2008 and €10.6m ($14.8m) for the nine months to end-September 2009. Cascade expects the acquisition to be accretive by the end of 2010.

Cascade says that chip makers are now 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 firm reckons that its test technology should now provide a market opportunity to engage and satisfy the test demands created by this continual drive to smaller devices.

These expanded core competences should enable Cascade to further support complex probing and measurement requirements. Additional benefits include an expanded global service network.

“This is a key strategic move for Cascade Microtech which strengthens our product portfolio and leverages our combined resources and competences,” says chairman & CEO F. Paul Carlson. “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,” he adds.

“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,” comments SUSS MicroTec’s president & CEO Frank P. Averdung. “We anticipate future collaboration with Cascade Microtech in order to address the complex issues in developing and testing 3D TSVs.”

See related items:

SUSS MicroTec streamlines sales & support structure in Asia

Cascade extends on-wafer power device characterization for GaN and SiC

Search: Cascade Microtech SUSS MicroTec Test Systems

Visit: www.cascademicrotech.com

Visit: www.suss.com