
Spin transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM) developer, Grandis is being acquired by Samsung Electronics. The Silicon Valley-based firm will be merged into those Samsung's R&D operations that are focused on developing the next-generation of memory products. The acquisition includes the full scope of technology, assets and human resources of Grandis, though further details concerning the transaction were not disclosed.
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Softening demand coupled to the need for an IC inventory correction in
the third quarter of 2011, has meant leading foundry, TSMC has tweaked
downwards by 5% its capital expenditure plans for the full year.
Instead of spending approximately US$7.8 billion, TSMC now expects to
spend in the region of US$7.4 billion. TSMC said in a conference call
that its 28nm ramp had experienced delays due to customers deferring
migration of chips to the next node due to the global economic
conditions, rather than due to any fabrication issues.
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On cue, IHS iSuppli has gone in the opposite direction to Gartner and
raised its forecast for semiconductor sales in 2011. IHS iSuppli expects
global semiconductor revenue to reach US$325.9 billion, up from
US$304.1 billion in 2010. This equates to growth of 7.2% compared to
last year, which is being driven by consumer product purchases such as
tablets and smart phones, according to the market research firm.
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Inventory corrections expected in the third-quarter of the year, due to
‘friction in the supply chain’ as a result of ‘residual effects’ from
Japan and its supply constraints have led to Gartner lowering its
semiconductor forecast for 2011. Worldwide semiconductor revenue is
projected to total US$315 billion in 2011, a 5.1% increase from 2010
revenue of US$299 billion. However, this is down from Gartner's previous
projection in the first quarter for a 6.2% growth year.
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An agreement has been reached between Spansion and Samsung Electronics
over a long-running patent dispute. Under the terms of the agreement,
Spansion and Samsung have agreed to a seven year cross license of each
other's patent portfolios. As part of the overall agreement, Samsung
will pay Spansion US$150 million over five years with an initial payment
of US$25 million due in August 2011.
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Citing the need to continue to meet customer demand for its
semiconductor foundry services and plans to invest US$ billion in fab
expansions on several continents, Globalfoundries has appointed Ajit
Manocha as its new interim Chief Executive Officer, while James Norling
will move to become Executive Chairman. Ibrahim Ajami will now serve as
Vice Chairman of the board of directors. The current CEO since
inception, Doug Grose will become a senior advisor to the foundry and
owner, ATIC with a focus on technology leadership. Chia Song Hwee, Chief
Operating Officer, will remain with the company in that position until
August 2011, when he will return to be part of Singapore’s business
future. All appointments were said to be effective immediately.
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Despite a slight spending decline expected in 2012, a revised capital
spending forecast from Gartner highlights an overall increase in
spending over the next four years, compared to a previous forecast.
Worldwide semiconductor capital equipment spending is expected to reach
US$44.8 billion in 2011, a 10.2 percent increase from 2010 spending of
US$40.6 billion, according to Gartner. The next cyclical decline, according to Gartner should take place in
late 2013, as the impact of memory oversupply takes its toll, once more.
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Despite record quarterly revenue and earnings, Applied Materials
chairman and chief executive, Mike Splinter rattled-off a number of
depressing conditions in a conference call to discuss quarterly results
that were tempering short-term economic growth, which would impact
orders at the equipment supplier.
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As part of the soon-to-be-released May Update to The McClean Report, IC
Insights has highlighted that the revenue gap between Intel and Samsung
has widened in the first quarter of 2011. Last year, due to the demand
for memory products, Samsung had closed the gap with the number one
ranked IC producer to the closest level in Samsung’s history. According
to IC Insights, Intel extended its lead over second-ranked Samsung by
registering a 44% higher sales level than Samsung in Q1.
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Imec posted total revenue for 2010 at €285 million, including €42.7
million in grants from the Flemish government and €6.2 million from the
Dutch government in relation to the Holst Centre in The Netherlands.
Imec also noted that it employed 1,895 people, at the end of the year,
an 8% increase over 2009, which included 336 residents – visiting
researchers from partner companies and institutes - and 208 Ph.D.
students.
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