CMOS image sensor supplier CMOSIS acquired by ams

In an effort to expand its optical image sensor portfolio and market position with high-value solutions for machine vision, medical, photographic, and scientific imaging, ams has acquired CMOS image sensor supplier CMOSIS.

Expected to generate full year 2015 revenues of approximately €60 million; the Antwerp, Belgium-based CMOSIS supplies standard and custom area and line scan CMOS image sensors, including low noise, global and rolling shutter, high dynamic range, and high frame rates through high-speed on-chip analog-to-digital conversion and digital interfaces. The company’s sensors target a range of different applications and markets, including machine vision, medical, broadcast, traffic, scientific, and photographic imaging. Additionally, the company offers the NanEye miniature camera module line for endoscopy-like medical applications, recently winning the German Innovation Award for Non-Clinical Intensive Care.

Founded in 2007, CMOSIS operates as a fabless semiconductor supplier from locations in Belgium, Germany, Portugal, and the U.S. and has more than 110 employees. CMOSIS expects year-over-year revenue growth in 2016.

In the deal, ams acquires 100% of the shares in CMOSIS from TA Associates, a leading global growth private equity firm, and management shareholders for an equity value of approx. €220 million. The transaction is expected to close within the next six weeks, subject to certain regulatory approvals and the occurrence of certain conditions defined in the agreements.

"Acquiring CMOSIS is a highly complementary expansion of our sensor portfolio and another major step in executing our sensor solutions growth strategy," said Kirk Laney, CEO of ams in a press release. "This transaction extends our market leadership in optical sensors and will strengthen our position as the leading pure-play sensor solutions provider for growth markets including Industry 4.0, IoT (Internet of Things) and medical diagnostics."

He added, "Integrating cameras with advanced optical sensors will drive new sensor solutions across vertical markets and accelerate our growth plans as we combine CMOSIS’ leading edge IP and design capabilities with our manufacturing competence and optical sensor strengths."

Citing the company’s "leading position" in CMOS image sensor technology, Luc de Mey, CEO of CMOSIS, also commented: "Our team is at the forefront of global shutter technology for high-end imaging having up to more than 15 years of experience in this field. We are excited to join ams creating a leader in advanced imaging solutions. We will leverage ams' technical and operational expertise and profit from the global access to potential new customers to realize our full growth potential."

View the press release.
View more information on ams.
View more information on CMOSIS.

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