ZEISS SMT Expands Semiconductor Manufacturing Capabilities with Swiss Acquisition

ZEISS SMT Expands Semiconductor Manufacturing Capabilities with Swiss Acquisition

(IN BRIEF) ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) is acquiring the Lithography division of Beyond Gravity, based in Zurich, Switzerland, and Coswig, Germany. This acquisition aims to boost ZEISS SMT’s production and research capabilities to meet rising global demand for semiconductor manufacturing systems. Beyond Gravity, previously known as RUAG International, is known for its high-precision actuators and mechatronic modules, which are vital in the semiconductor supply chain. The acquisition, which involves about 210 employees, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, pending antitrust approval. The purchase price has not been disclosed.

(PRESS RELEASE) OBERKOCHEN, 6-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) is set to enhance its global production and R&D capacities through the acquisition of the Lithography division of Beyond Gravity, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. This strategic move, involving Beyond Gravity’s operations in Zurich and Coswig, Germany, signifies a significant leap in ZEISS SMT’s capabilities within the semiconductor industry.

Beyond Gravity, formerly known as RUAG International, stands as a prominent player in the field of advanced actuators and mechatronic modules. This acquisition will integrate Beyond Gravity’s cutting-edge technologies and skilled workforce of approximately 210 employees into ZEISS SMT’s existing semiconductor operations.

With this acquisition, ZEISS SMT aims to bolster its production and research capabilities to meet the increasing global demand for sophisticated semiconductor manufacturing systems. The Swiss and German facilities of Beyond Gravity are recognized for their strategic importance and technological innovation, making them a valuable addition to ZEISS’s infrastructure.

Both ZEISS SMT and Beyond Gravity have a history of collaboration, with Beyond Gravity’s high-precision components playing a crucial role in the semiconductor supply chain. The integration will bring together ZEISS SMT’s extensive industry experience with Beyond Gravity’s innovative expertise, driving advancements in semiconductor technology.

The acquisition is expected to be finalized by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, pending approval from relevant antitrust authorities. The terms of the transaction, including the purchase price, have not been disclosed.

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 10 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2023).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world’s leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company’s significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS’ technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 44,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, 35 research and development facilities, and 35 production facilities worldwide (status: 31 March 2024). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology

With its product portfolio and expertise, the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology segment of ZEISS covers a variety of key processes in the production of microchips. Its products include semiconductor manufacturing optics – notably lithography optics – as well as photomask systems and process control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing. Thanks to ZEISS technology, microchips are becoming increasingly smaller, more powerful, more energy-efficient and more affordable. The electronic applications of these ongoing enhancements enable global progress in many disciplines such as technology, electronics, communication, entertainment, mobility and energy. Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology is headquartered in Oberkochen. Other sites include Jena, Rossdorf, Wetzlar and Aachen in Germany, as well as Bar Lev (Israel) and Dublin, CA and Danvers, MA (USA).

Media Contact:

Jeannine Rapp
Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
tel:+49 7364 20 75435
jeannine.rapp@zeiss.com

SOURCE: ZEISS