August 18, 2016, Altdorf, Germany — Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (PH: IMI) and the shareholders of VIA optronics GmbH (VIA) announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which IMI will acquire a 76 percent stake in VIA, a leading optical bonding and display solutions provider, for EUR 47.4 million. Company founder Jürgen Eichner will retain a 24 percent ownership and continue to lead VIA as managing Director, reporting to Arthur R. Tan, IMI’s chief executive officer. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to IMI’s earnings per share starting 2017. The transaction, which will be financed through debt, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016.
Alpina Partners is selling all of its 55% shareholding as part of the transaction. Alpina Partners has been a shareholder in the company since June 2010.
Optical bonding is a technology that significantly enhances the visibility and performance of display systems, especially for outdoor use. The technology also enhances the display’s quality, throughput and efficiency of the display system integration process. VIA’s bonding material and intellectual property on its optical bonding processes, enable high bonding yields, for multiple display applications. For consumer applications, the technology enables thinner and lightweight designs, while also offering the flexibility to accommodate curved, plastic and large size applications, putting VIA in a strong position to address the growing demand for automotive and industrial display applications. IMI’s existing offerings in the automotive, industrial and medical markets also matches VIA’s experience in high reliability and ruggedized markets.
“We announce today an exciting next chapter for VIA, as we have found the perfect strategic partner that is aligned with our values and growth ambitions,” Eichner said. “Once combined, we will have the scale to introduce our patented technology into camera monitor systems, ruggedized display solutions and reliable display applications. IMI has a great cultural fit with our organization and I am excited for our employees to benefit from the long-term prospects of being part of IMI.” “This transaction represents a unique opportunity to accelerate IMI’s growth and broaden VIA’s opportunities by leveraging off of IMI’s global footprint and resources,” Tan said. Together, IMI and VIA will be best positioned to revolutionize the way the world experiences vision and touch on displays. We believe the acquisition will allow IMI to strengthen its partnerships with customers by offering complementary automotive camera and display monitor solutions for advanced driver assistance systems. We look forward to further developing and utilizing the synergies between the two companies.”
About VIA:
VIA is a leading provider of enhanced display solutions for multiple end-markets in which superior functionality or durability is a critical differentiating factor. Its customizable technology is well-suited for high-end markets with unique specifications as well as demanding environments that pose technical and optical challenges for displays, such as bright ambient light, vibration and shock, extreme temperatures and condensation. VIA’s Interactive Display Systems combine system design, interactive displays, software functionality, cameras and other hardware components. VIA’s intellectual property portfolio, process know-how, and optical bonding and metal mesh touch sensor and camera module technologies provide enhanced display solutions that are built to meet the specific needs of its customers.
About IMI
Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI) is one of the leading global providers of electronics manufacturing services (EMS) and power semiconductor assembly and test services with manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. It serves diversified markets that include those in the automotive, industrial, medical, telecommunications infrastructure, storage device, and consumer electronics industries. Committed to cost-effective and innovative customized solutions (from design and product development to manufacturing and order fulfillment), the company's comprehensive capabilities and global manufacturing presence allow it to take on specific outsourcing needs. A subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, IMI ranks 18th on the latest list of Manufacturing Market Insider for the top 50 EMS providers in the world based on the 2014 EMS-related revenues of companies. For more information, visit www.global-imi.com.
About Alpina Partners
Alpina Partners is a London and Munich based investment firm with over €300 million in assets under management. Alpina focuses on European growth companies with a strong technical USP. For more information, visit www.alpinapartners.com.