German tech vendor Merck KGaA plans to acquire French metrology and inspection equipment maker Unity-SC to expand its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities globally.
Metrology is needed in emerging applications like artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, high bandwidth memory and compound semiconductors. The technology evaluates physical properties accurately. These tools are critical in semiconductor manufacturing of heterogeneous 3D advanced packaging devices.
Under the acquisition, 160 employees (including 70 in research and development) will join Merck and expand its tech to test semiconductor manufacturing portfolio. The acquisition is intended to be completed by the end of this year after clearing regulatory approval and other closing conditions.
"We can benefit from the broad knowledge Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has in semiconductor materials manufacturing and their extensive optical expertise in light manipulation combined with their Life Science instrumentation capabilities,” said Dan Lee, CEO Unity-SC. “Together with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we can create high value solutions to serve our common customers.”
