Hsinchu, Taiwan–Nov. 8, 2000–Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.’s (TSMC) board of directors has approved the acquisition of Camas, Wahington-based WaferTech, LLC’s shares from the company’s current stakeholders in a move that will increase TSMC’s stake in the company from 66.89% to 99%. The acquisition will increase its flexibility for future strategic and capacity expansions in North America, reports TSMC.

TSMC has been negotiating this share acquisition with all of WaferTech’s other major shareholders–including ADI, Altera Corp., and ISSI–for several months, and managed to reach consensus in principle with each of the other major shareholders in WaferTech. Altera has confirmed discussions with TSMC, and the company reportedly favorably views the potential purchase of its ownership in WaferTech. A final agreement is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2000 or the first quarter of 2001. Financial details will not be disclosed until the agreement is finalized.

In addition to the acquisition, TSMC’s board of directors approved a capital expenditure of NT$3,435 million (US$106.7 million) to construct a new 300mm fab in Tainan, Taiwan.