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Edwards sells Chemical Management Division to Air Liquide
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As part of its publicized plans to focus on its vacuum and abatement
product portfolio in the semiconductor, photovoltaic and LCD
industries, Edwards has sold its Chemical Management Division of
Edwards Vacuum, Inc to Air Liquide Electronics. The Edwards division
had annual sales of approximately $50 million. Financial terms were not
disclosed.
“I’m very happy to continue the strategic re-alignment of Edwards
to focus on its core vacuum equipment and abatement business,” said
Nigel Hunton, CEO of Edwards. “In reaching an agreement with Air
Liquide for our Chemical Management Division, we ensure a smooth
transition of ownership for the benefit of our employees and customers.”
“This
acquisition will bring key complements to our current portfolio,
especially allowing us to cover the whole equipment and installation
spectrum for ultra-pure fluids with the key players of the electronics
industry,” commented Christophe Fontaine, Vice-President Electronics,
Air Liquide Group.
Edwards’ Chemical Management Division, is
focused on designing, manufacturing, and selling chemical and slurry
dispensing equipment, installations and services to semiconductor
manufacturers as well as OEMs worldwide. Production is based in
Chanhassen, Minnesota, in the United States, it employs about 120
people (including 20% in Asia and Europe).
BOC Edwards had
originally purchased a key part of the Chemical Management Division
from FSI International in 1999 for approximately $38 million.