The Dortmund-based German semiconductor manufacturer Elmos Semiconductor is unlikely to be taken over by its Chinese-controlled competitor Silex from Sweden after all. The federal government should now follow the recommendation of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and prohibit the takeover of the foundry.
Ministry of Commerce prohibited takeover
The Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) informed the parties involved today that the sale of the foundry to Silex Microsystems AB will probably be prohibited in the upcoming cabinet meeting on November 9, according to Elmos in an ad hoc press release published today.< /p>
The Chinese conglomerate Sai Microelectronics, which like Elmos also offers Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), is behind the planned takeover.
- 322 million euros in sales
- 59.4 million euros in profit before taxes
- approx. 1,150 employees at 16 locations worldwide< /li>
- Annual Report 2021 and Five-Year Summary (PDF)
Elmos Semiconductor, in turn, develops, produces and sells semiconductors primarily for use in the automotive sector and expects total annual sales of more than 400 million euros for the first time in 2022, of which sensor ICs will make up the lion's share.
Elmos is surprised by the turnaround
The Dortmund-based company had already announced at the end of 2021 that it would sell its foundry for a total of around 85 million euros to the to sell its Swedish competitor Silex. The federal government is now likely to thwart this plan, which comes as a great surprise to Elmos.
This is a recent development as up to date the BMWK has informed the parties involved that the transaction is likely to be approved.< /p>
In the event of a ban, the sale of the wafer production to Silex Microsystems AB cannot be completed.
After receipt of the notification The parties involved will examine this in detail and then decide on further steps.
Elmos Semiconductor
As reported by Tagesschau.de, the Ministry of Economics wanted to do so when asked by ARD -Hauptstadtstudios does not comment on the current development, as the proceedings are ongoing.
The official press release (PDF) from Elmos Semiconductor provides further information. Accordingly, the company wants to examine further steps following the announcement by the BMWK.