Asian DRAM bailouts a disaster?

Posted on Wednesday, December 17 2008 @ 8:15 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
EE Times cites a warning from a Gartner analyst who believes a bailout of Taiwanese, and possible Korean, DRAM makers may be a disaster for the industry as a whole.
In Taiwan, DRAM maker Powerchip Semiconductor Corp. is pleading for a bailout from the Taiwanese government, while ProMos Technology Corp. and Nanya Technology Corp. are reportedly seeking similar measures. Powerchip's partner, Elpida Memory Inc., may end up rescuing the company via an acquisition.

In Korea, Hynix Semiconductor Corp. is seeking help from its creditors, but there are conflicting reports that the company is seeking a bail-out from the government. And in Germany, Qimonda AG could ask for help.

One analyst warned against such measures. ''News continues to show the dire financial situation that most of the vendors are in, with speculation that governments will step in to support the manufacturers,'' said Andrew Norwood, research vice president at Gartner Inc., in a report.

''Widespread government support for the industry would be a disaster: It would just prolong the current downturn rather than forcing the vendors to further reduce production or causing consolidation,'' he said.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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