July 2, 2007&#8212Applied Materials Inc. will acquire HCT Shaping Systems SA (HCT), a Switzerland-based supplier of precision wafering systems used in manufacturing crystalline silicon (c-Si) substrates for the solar industry. According to Mike Splinter, president and CEO of Applied Materials, the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to drive down the cost-per-watt of solar power for c-Si and thin film applications. “HCT will significantly expand our opportunities in the c-Si PV technology sector, which currently comprises 90% of solar panel production,” he says.

Under terms of the agreement, Applied will pay approximately 583 million Swiss Francs (approximately $475 million) in cash for all of the outstanding shares of HCT.