Beverly, MA – Axcelis Technologies Inc. has signed an agreement in principle to acquire the semiconductor equipment division of Tritek International, one of China’s capital equipment distribution and support firms.

The deal follows a 20-year partnership between the companies, and is a step toward Axcelis’ long-term strategy to support China’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

As part of the agreement, Axcelis will acquire Tritek’s operations and support teams in Tianjin, Beijing, and in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park.

The acquisition will expand Axcelis China operation’s work force three-fold by adding trained service personnel from Tritek.