Summary
Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) announced on November 19, 2007, that it has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire Baccini S.p.A., a privately-held Italian company specializing in automated metallization and test systems for crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. This strategic acquisition, valued at €225 million (approximately $330 million in cash), is expected to significantly bolster AMAT's presence in the rapidly growing solar energy sector by integrating Baccini's technology into its product offerings. The transaction involves a cash payment with a portion held in escrow for one year and another portion contingent on key employee retention for up to two years post-closing. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining necessary non-U.S. regulatory approvals. This move signals AMAT's commitment to expanding its portfolio into renewable energy technologies.
Key Highlights
- 1Applied Materials (AMAT) to acquire Baccini S.p.A., a leading supplier of automated metallization and test systems for photovoltaic cell manufacturing.
- 2Acquisition price is €225 million (approximately $330 million) in cash.
- 3Baccini will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Applied Materials upon closing.
- 4The deal expands AMAT's strategic focus into the solar energy sector.
- 5A portion of the purchase price is subject to escrow and key employee retention conditions.
- 6The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.