Micronas Expands Into HDTV Market With Acquisition of LINX Electronics (0409)
Micronas To Provide Best-In-Class ATSC Receiver Technology
Zurich, Switzerland, May 14, 2004 - Micronas today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire LINX Electronics, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company that develops innovative digital television solutions for improved reception of high-definition television (HDTV) signals. This transaction, which is expected to be completed in June 2004, will enable Micronas to further expand its comprehensive TV system solutions portfolio.
The purchase price of approximately USD 26 million will be paid in cash and Micronas' shares. Chicago-based LINX Electronics employs a highly acclaimed HDTV technology team of about 20 engineers and brings complementary technology to Micronas. The purchase includes all development activities and patents held by LINX Electronics.
"With this acquisition we have taken another decisive step forward in our digital TV business, strengthening our position in the TV market and providing increased value and services for our customers," said Micronas' vice president consumer products unit, Hans-Juergen Désor. "Our existing strength in Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) technology, combined with the expertise gained with this acquisition, puts us in the excellent position to shape the era of global migration from analog to digital TV."
"HDTV is a reality now! Our technology enables an exciting new TV experience," explained Wayne Li, co-founder of LINX Electronics. "As part of the Micronas Group, we will be able to better serve these markets by offering manufacturers innovative and comprehensive system solutions for their future applications."
Since the late 1980s, the global economic superpowers have been in a race to bring digital TV to the consumer market. Three international standards have been created: US-ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee), Europe-DVB (Digital Video Broadcast), and Japan-ISDB (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting). The US is currently the largest HDTV market, with deployment accelerating due to a phase-in plan mandated by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requiring TV manufacturers to integrate digital TV tuners into nearly all their TV products by 2007. LINX Electronics has developed a breakthrough ATSC compliant receiver technology that delivers superior reception to more consumers. Typical applications include HDTVs, set-top boxes, personal video recorders (PVRs), DVD recorders as well as PC tuner cards. LINX Electronics has a solid background in addressing new digital TV broadcasting formats.
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 is headquartered in Zurich (Switzerland), operational headquarters are based in Freiburg (Germany). Currently, the Micronas Group employs about 1750 people. In 2003, it generated CHF 767 million in sales. For more information on Micronas and its products, please visit www.micronas.tdk.com.