January 8, 2007 – Brooks Automation Inc. has received a “second request” for additional information from the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice, regarding its pending sale of its software division to Applied Materials Inc. Brooks said it is still hopeful that the acquisition will close in 1Q07.

The $125 million deal was proposed in November, to allow Brooks’ parent group to refocus on core semiconductor-related hardware offerings (automation modules and systems, and process enabling subsystems, for semiconductor fabs and equipment manufacturers), and also to strengthen the parent company’s balance sheet (most of the sale price would go straight to profits).

In essence, the notification extends the traditional waiting period under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Act until 30 days after the request is fulfilled, unless the period is extended by the companies or terminated by the DOJ.