Merck to acquire Unity-SC.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (Merck KGaA) has announced its intention to acquire the metrology and defect inspection equipment supplier, Unity-SC. The French-based company is active in the semiconductor industry, with the science and technology company planning to acquire it for €155 million, plus further performance-based milestones. By combining technologies from both companies, Merck KGaA hopes to create “high-value solutions for the manufacturing of semiconductor devices globally.”
Semiconductors utilising artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), or high-bandwidth memory (HBM) require metrology and inspection solutions to ensure reliability and quality control whilst keeping costs low and manufacturing yields high. To ensure the continued innovation of the semiconductor industry, chips used in the manufacturing process need to be faster, more powerful, and with improved levels of energy efficiency. Especially when it comes to coping with the increasing data volumes generated by AI technologies.
Unity-SC, and its innovative advanced packaging, hybrid bonding, and compound semiconductor applications, help to fulfil AI’s requirements for increased transistor and interconnect density. Additionally, it is one of few companies offering 3D optical metrology solutions for interconnect inspection and metrology for high-volume manufacturing.
“The acquisition of Unity-SC complements our science and technology-driven portfolio for the semiconductor industry,” Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck KGaA. “It strengthens our ability to benefit from the growth opportunities of AI as an integrated solutions provider for our customers in developing next-generation chips.”
Kai Beckmann, Member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, and CEO of Electronics added, “Just as tooling and instrumentation drove the life science industry, we expect 3D metrology tools to drive the semiconductor materials industry. Adding metrology to our portfolio allows us to provide more materials and more solutions that effectively solve our customers' challenges. This combination allows us to help our customers drive forward Moore's law through both advanced nodes and Heterogeneous Integration.”
“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. Together with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we can create high-value solutions to serve our common customers. We are looking forward to becoming an integral part of a global company with close customer relationships and an extensive offering to the semiconductor industry,” concluded Dan Lee, CEO of Unity-SC.
The acquisition requires the French Works Council's consultation and would remain subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions. Confirmation of the deal could be expected at the end of the year.