April 30, 2002 – Expanding its leadership in analog and power management technologies, National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM) today announced the acquisition of Fincitec Oy and ARSmikro OЬ, based in Kemi, Finland, and Tallinn, Estonia, respectively, in a deal worth a total of US$15 million. The two companies develop low-voltage, low-power application specific integrated circuits for battery-powered devices.
The acquisitions strengthen National’s development capabilities for power management circuits for the portable market. They will enable National to expand its suite of integrated and discrete silicon solutions for handheld devices, including cell phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras and similar electronic devices.
“National Semiconductor is the leading innovator for power management products. The addition of Fincitec and ARSmikro’s engineering expertise will enhance our ability to offer a more complete energy management capability to manufacturers of portable devices,” said Peter Henry, director of portable power systems at National Semiconductor.
Fincitec, founded in 1986 and ARSmikro, founded in 1997, together add 55 employees, expanding National Semiconductor’s geographical presence and providing increased service for key customers in the region.
“Joining National Semiconductor significantly strengthens the semiconductor industry in Finland,” said Paavo Takalo, president of Fincitec and chairman of the board for ARSmikro. “National’s global presence and outstanding manufacturing will open exciting prospects to us and expands the ability of our design staff to address opportunities with major manufacturers of portable electronic devices.”
National is powering innovation. First in technology, performance and packaging, National supplies world-class power management solutions for applications and displays in cell phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras and other handheld, portable electronic devices.
About Fincitec and ARSmikro
Founded in 1986, Fincitec is a pioneer European fabless ASIC vendor with more than 200 completed designs. Fincitec specializes in ultra low voltage/low power mixed-signal, logic and System-On-Chip ASIC solutions especially suited for handheld battery-powered applications. Fincitec’s in-house design and test capabilities provide a complete solution from specification to mass production on CMOS, Bi-CMOS and bipolar technologies. It has design and test professionals in Oulu and Kemi, Finland. Founded in 1997, ARSmikro has provided analog design services for Fincitec. It is located in Tallinn, Estonia.
About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; displays; information infrastructure, and information appliances. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 9,800 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.