Air Liquide Electronics Acquires Edwards Chemical Management Division
Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP has signed an agreement to purchase the major
part of the assets of the Chemical Management Division of Edwards Vacuum, Inc.
The acquisition is expected to close before the end of June, 2008, pending regulatory
approval and pending the satisfaction of certain closing conditions set forth in the
agreement.
Edwards' Chemical Management Division, a major player in chemical equipment, is
focused on designing, manufacturing, and selling chemical and slurry dispensing
equipment, installations and services to leading semiconductors as well as Original
Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide. With production based in Chanhassen,
Minnesota, in the United States, it employs about 120 people (including 20% in Asia
and Europe) and has annual sales of approximately 50 million USD.
This acquisition will complement Air Liquide Electronics' position in the high purity
fluid equipment and installation sector, particularly in the U.S. and in Asia. It will
reaffirm Air Liquide Electronics' strategy to be a global supplier to the semiconductor, flat
panel display and photovoltaics industries around the world.
Christophe Fontaine, Vice-President Electronics, Air Liquide Group, said: "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."
Nigel Hunton, CEO of Edwards, commented: "I'm very happy to continue the
strategic re-alignment of Edwards to focus on its core vacuum equipment and
abatement business. 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."
Edwards is a leading global supplier of integrated vacuum and abatement solutions for the
manufacture of semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells and a leader in
vacuum technology for industrial, scientific, process and R&D applications. The company
employs around 3,600 people worldwide in the design, manufacture and support of high
technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment.
Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP is the subsidiary of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. responsible
for serving the semiconductor industry in the U.S. American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. is the
subsidiary of Air Liquide Group responsible for its North American operations.
