September 27, 2005 – Golden Gate Capital has acquired the Semiconductor Equipment Division (SED) of Leica Microsystems AG. Terms were not disclosed. Leica Microsystems SED will continue to be led by the current management team and have a global customer base with manufacturing operations in Germany and the UK. A new name for the company will soon be established.

“We are excited about our acquisition of Leica Microsystems SED,” said David Dominik, managing director of Golden Gate Capital. “SED is well-positioned for growth as a market leader in mask metrology, optical defect review, and direct-write e-beam lithography.”

The acquisition of Leica Microsystems SED represents the second semiconductor investment for Golden Gate Capital in 2005. In April, Golden Gate Capital acquired TDK Semiconductor, now named Teridian Semiconductor. Both acquisitions were carve-outs from larger corporate parents.