Samsung joins TSMC and Intel in buying a stake in ASML

Posted on Monday, August 27 2012 @ 21:47 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
samsung
First Intel took a 15 percent stake in ASML and then TSMC joined the company's co-investment program by acquiring a 5 percent share of ASML's equity. Now ASML announces its program is completed, as Samsung has committed to invest 503 million EUR in a 3 percent ASML equity stake under the same terms as Intel and TSMC. The goal of ASML's investment program is to spur development of 450mm wafer technology and Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) litography.
ASML Holding NV announces today that Samsung Electronics has joined its Customer Co-Investment Program for Innovation and has committed to contribute EUR 276 million to ASML's research and development of next generation lithography technologies over five years. This completes the program, as the target for aggregate R&D funding commitments of EUR 1.38 billion has now been met. Samsung has also committed to invest EUR 503 million in a 3 percent ASML equity stake under the same general terms as the other program participants.

Under the Co-Investment Program, which was announced on July 9, 2012, ASML will accelerate the development of key lithography technologies needed to extend Moore's Law, notably Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. These technologies will benefit the entire industry, and will enable smarter, more powerful, more energy-efficient and cheaper electronic devices for consumers.

With the full program target of research and development funding committed under the Customer Co-Investment Program, ASML no longer plans to solicit the participation of additional customers. As part of the program, Intel, TSMC and Samsung will each acquire ASML shares, equal to an aggregate 23 percent minority equity stake in ASML for EUR 3.85 billion in cash. The entire cash proceeds of the share issuance will be returned to ASML shareholders (not including participating customers) through a synthetic buy-back. The shares to be issued to Intel, TSMC and Samsung will be non-voting except in exceptional circumstances.

As announced on 9 July 2012, ASML can issue new shares equivalent to 9.99% of its issued share capital to Intel as per the authorizations granted at ASML's 2012 Annual General Meeting of shareholders. The issuance of further shares in the Co-Investment Program to Intel, TSMC and Samsung, as well as the synthetic buyback, are subject to shareholder approval at the extraordinary meeting of shareholders scheduled for September 7, 2012.


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.



Loading Comments