Micronas completes the purchase of WISchip International (G 0531)
Zurich, Switzerland, December 9, 2005 - Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN, Frankfurt: MNSN, Prime Standard Segment, TecDAX) today announced the close of its purchase of all shares of fabless semiconductor company WISchip International Ltd. with operational headquarters in Santa Clara, CA.
On October 26, 2005, Micronas had announced a definitive agreement to acquire WISchip International Ltd., a global provider of advanced audio and video system-on-chip (SoC) IC and software solutions, implementing the latest-generation MPEG1/2/4, H.264 and VC-1 HDTV standards. These are the key technologies for a variety of emerging markets utilizing broadband networks and mass storage for future entertainment and communications applications.
At the International Consumer Electronics Show to be held in Las Vegas from January 5 to 8, 2006, Micronas will showcase first cost- and time-efficient turn-key solutions for the next generation of IPTV set-top boxes, digital TVs and HDTVs. Micronas will demonstrate a reference design based on the VGC-B, Micronas' video graphics controller for advanced HDTV- and HD-ready flat-panel TV applications. Also on display will be the first in a series of reference designs based upon WISchip's DeCypher 8100 real-time streaming media decoder SoC. Micronas' executives will be available for private briefings and demonstrations at the Las Vegas Convention Center in hall SO4, booth 35346.
The combination of technologies and products from Micronas and WISchip will enable Micronas' customers to quickly bring to market next-generation audio/video solutions for the entire spectrum of advanced HDTV products such as advanced HDTV TV sets, PVRs, future DVD recorders/players and IPTV set-top boxes, as well as complete IP AV streaming systems, which have many applications such as IP surveillance cameras and media adapters. Together with WISchip's multi-standard compression IC products, Micronas will be uniquely positioned to provide these emerging markets with complete cost- and time-efficient turn-key solutions.
About Micronas
Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN, Frankfurt: MNSN, Prime Standard Segment, TecDAX), a semiconductor designer and manufacturer with worldwide operations, is a leading supplier of cutting-edge IC and sensor system solutions for consumer and automotive electronics. As a market leader in innovative, global TV system solutions, Micronas leverages its expertise into new markets emerging through the digitization of audio and video content. Micronas serves all major consumer brands worldwide, many of them in continuous partnerships seeking joint success. While the holding company is headquartered in Zurich (Switzerland), operational headquarters are based in Freiburg (Germany). Currently, the Micronas Group employs about 2000 people. In 2004, it generated EUR 624/USD 777/CHF 963 million in sales. For more information on Micronas and its products, please visit www.micronas.tdk.com.
About WISchip
Wischip International is a global provider of digital video and audio semiconductor solutions that enable new classes of powerful multimedia products. The company's portfolio of high-performance, low-power stand-alone and system-on-chip integrated circuits incorporates next-generation standards that enable system developers to quickly bring leading-edge products to market. Patented WISchip technology maximizes digital video and audio quality in a wide range of end-user computing, surveillance, and electronic entertainment products. For more information, visit www.wischip.com.