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PDF Solutions to integrate FDC and yield ramp analysis with purchase of Si Automation |
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Oct 25, 2006 at 07:17 PM |
 PDF Solutions, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Si Automation S.A., a privately held Fault Detection and Classification (FDC) software and services provider, based in Montpellier, France (pictured). PDF Solutions will acquire SIA for approximately $26.6 million in cash and approximately 715,000 shares of PDF Solutions' common stock, making the deal worth approximately $35.7 million. PDF Solutions had revenues of $73.93 million in 2005, according to SEC filings.
Si Automation is best known for its FDC ‘Maestria' software that provides fabs with the data collection and analysis capabilities for tool process variations and excursions. A number of advanced 200mm and 300mm fabs use the software. In 2004, STMicroelectronics signed a three year contract with Si Automation for Maestria to be used in its Crolles1 200mm facility. PDF Solutions plans to integrate Maestria's APC/AEC and FDC capabilities into its own yield ramp and offline production data analysis software to provide forward looking yield limiting events, and to enter the larger market for continuous volume production yield aware software and services. "Our customers have expressed their dream to use equipment data to identify and anticipate sources of yield loss," stated John Kibarian, chief executive officer of PDF Solutions. "Until now, this dream has gone largely unfulfilled. By integrating FDC software with the yield resolution provided by PDF Solutions' short flow CVs, we are creating a new era in process control software that will unleash the full power of using equipment data for variability reduction and excursion control. We have already begun client engagements in this space and we will work with SIA's experienced management and engineering teams to deliver the integrated solutions that are required to realize this vision."
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