March 1, 2005 – Intel Corp. has said it is buying Yokne’am-based digital screen display company Oplus Technologies. The value of the deal was not disclosed, but sources said it was $100 million, according to the Palestine Post Ltd.

Oplus CEO Yair Alpern said in a telephone interview that the company would retain its more than 100 employees and continue hiring more workers. Sources indicated that Intel Israel was also planning to hire additional workers in the near future. Intel also recently bought Herzliya-based wireless network chip designer Envara for $40 million last year.

Oplus is a privately held fabless semiconductor company that designs, develops and markets IC and software solutions for flat panel plasma and LCD-TVs, projection systems, LCD multifunction monitors, and emerging digital display applications.

Oplus currently sells three lines of video processors targeted at the full spectrum of digital televisions and digital displays. It has more than 25 customers, including JVC, BenQ, Panasonic, and LG. Alpern declined to disclose the company’s sales figures.

The company would continue selling products under the Oplus brand name and would report to Intel’s Consumer Electronics Group, Intel said. The international firm would use Oplus to enhance its video processing expertise as it expands its range of components for consumer electronics devices as part of its digital home platforms initiative.