Dec. 14, 2001 – Chelmsford, MA – Brooks Automation Inc., a supplier of tool and factory hardware and software automation solutions, has completed the purchase of the automation systems group of Zygo Corp.
Zygo’s automation systems group is a manufacturer of reticle automation systems including reticle sorters, reticle macro inspection systems, and reticle handling solutions.
The purchase method of accounting will be used to account for the cash transaction of approximately $11 million.
“The Zygo automation systems acquisition is an important part of Brooks Automation’s strategy of supplying an integrated suite of lithography automation systems,” said Robert Therrien, president and CEO of Brooks. “The cost of advanced photomask sets can now exceed $500,000, causing semiconductor manufacturers to turn increasingly toward automated reticle handling systems to eliminate problems that may be caused by manual operations. This acquisition will enable Brooks to provide a more complete solution for lithography automation.”
Zygo will retain its core automation business in Delray Beach, FL, for metrology integrated solutions and photonic and electronic module assembly.
In other Brooks Automation news, Brooks and PRI Automation Inc.
have received a request for additional information pertaining to Brooks’ pending acquisition of PRI — a $380 million deal that, if completed, will create the world’s largest automation company, Brooks-PRI Automation.
The request was made by the antitrust division of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The waiting period applicable to the pending acquisition under the US Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act will expire 30 days after substantial compliance with the request for additional information, unless terminated earlier by the DOJ.
The companies said they intend to respond as quickly as possible to the second request. However, the companies cannot estimate how long it will take to achieve substantial compliance with the second request. Subject to completion of the Hart-Scott-Rodino process, and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions contained in the definitive merger agreement, including Brooks and PRI stockholder approval, the companies anticipate the acquisition will close in 1Q02, as announced previously.