(December 15, 2003) Norwalk, Conn.—The global market for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) and post-CMP equipment, CMP slurries, and CMP pads, conditioners and others consumables is estimated at $1.7 billion in 2003, according to Business Communications Company Inc.’s recent report, “RGB-288 Chemical Mechanical Polishing Equipment and Materials: A Technical and Market Analysis.” This market is expected to approach $3.3 billion by 2008, with an average annual growth rate of 14.2 percent through 2008.