Intel’s Stake Sale in IMS Nanofabrication
Intel has reached an agreement to sell a 10% stake in IMS Nanofabrication to TSMC for $430 million, valuing IMS at $4.3 billion. Intel will maintain majority ownership, and IMS will continue as a standalone subsidiary led by CEO Elmar Platzgummer. The transaction is set to conclude in Q4 2023.
Strategic Partnerships Unfold
This development follows Intel’s recent sale of a 20% stake in IMS to Bain Capital for $860 million at the same $4.3 billion valuation. Intel initially invested in IMS in 2009 and fully acquired it in 2015. Under Intel’s ownership, IMS experienced significant growth, expanding its workforce and product generations.
“This investment demonstrates the deep industry collaboration IMS is pioneering to advance critical lithography technology for leading-edge nodes, which will benefit the entire semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem,” stated Matt Poirier, SVP of Corporate Development at Intel.
IMS’s Role in Chip Manufacturing
IMS Nanofabrication, based in Vienna, plays a crucial role in chip manufacturing, specializing in multi-beam mask writing for advanced technology nodes. These masks serve as templates for semiconductor chip production, with fine electronic circuitry details. As global semiconductor demand continues to rise, driven by AI, pervasive connectivity, ubiquitous computing, cloud-to-edge infrastructure, and sensing, IMS’s expertise is vital. The market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030.
Deepening Collaborations
Intel’s partnership with TSMC and Bain Capital enhances IMS’s autonomy and fosters cross-industry collaboration. This move aligns with Moore’s Law, driving advancements in lithography technology, particularly extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV), essential for leading-edge nodes. IMS’s leadership in mask writing tools contributes to innovation in the semiconductor ecosystem.
A Promising Future
As EUV technology becomes more prevalent, IMS anticipates substantial growth. The investments from Bain Capital and TSMC reinforce confidence in IMS’s potential. The added autonomy will accelerate growth and drive innovation in lithography technology, including high-numerical-aperture (high-NA) EUV.
“We are delighted to bring in new investors to help us build on IMS’ leadership in multi-beam mask writing, which is the backbone of innovation in leading-edge semiconductor technologies,” remarked Elmar Platzgummer, CEO of IMS Nanofabrication.
This stake sale marks Intel’s strategic approach to partnerships and investments in the evolving semiconductor landscape. It strengthens IMS’s position and promises growth in the future, with TSMC as a key customer and strategic ally.
