PlasmaQuest Inc.

05/01/1997

PlasmaQuest Inc., Richardson, TX, a developer of plasma-based etch and CVD tools, has received an equity investment from Japanese distributor Gunze Sangyo, and its US arm Gunze America. Japanese press reports pegged the investment at $1 million, representing a 14.8% share of the firm. PlasmaQuest president John Spencer indicated that the infusion of funds would be used for "corporate development, including R&D," as PlasmaQuest seeks to build its niche-oriented businesses. Annual revenues are currently running in the $10 million to $15 million range, said Spencer. Gunze has been a distribution partner for several years.