May 23, 2003 – Infineon Technologies AG plans to acquire SensoNor ASA to boost its position as a provider of sensors for the automotive industry.
Infineon, a German maker of semiconductor and systems technology, expects to pay about $56 million to complete the acquisition. The shareholders of SensoNor, a Norwegian MEMS manufacturer, are considering a takeover bid and a decision is expected by mid-June, an Infineon spokeswoman said.
The companies call it a “planned friendly takeover” in a joint release, and say that it would make Infineon the market leader of tire pressure sensors. SensoNor, most known for making sensors for automotive applications, also offers design and foundry services MEMS used in telecommunications and biotechnology.