14 February 2014

SAMCO to buy 90% of plasma cleaning system maker UCP

SAMCO Inc of Kyoto, Japan, a supplier of plasma etch, chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and surface treatment systems to compound semiconductors device makers, has agreed to purchase 90% of the issued shares of plasma cleaning system maker UCP Processing Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Büchel Holding of Ruggell, Liechtenstein). UCP founded in 2003 (when it became independent from Balzers & Leybold AG). As of December 2013, it had fewer than 10 directors and employees, and annual revenue of just over CHF2m.

Founded in 1979, SAMCO has been primarily engaged in manufacturing thin-film deposition (PECVD), etching (ICP, RIE, DRIE) and surface treatment (plasma and UV-ozone cleaning) process equipment for compound semiconductor production, especially applications such as LEDs and power devices. The firm has been focused on expanding its product sales internationally, and currently has direct sales and service offices in the USA, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam. Furthermore, SAMCO has been seeking to establish sales and/or service offices in Europe.

The acquisition of UCP will lead to the establishment of a SAMCO office at UCP in Liechtenstein, in central continental Europe, giving it better access to customers in three key European markets: Germany, France and Italy.

SAMCO also foresees synergy, as both SAMCO and UCP have experience in the manufacture and sale of plasma cleaning systems. After the acquisition, SAMCO plans to sell its products (e.g. plasma etching and CVD systems) using UCP’s existing sales network in Europe.

The acquisition is exppected to be finalized by the end of April.

Tags: Samco Etch CVD

Visit: www.samcointl.com

Visit: www.ucpgroup.com