- 15 March 2005 -

Aviza and Trikon's merger

Atomic layer deposition supplier, Aviza Technology and plasma etch and deposition maker Trikon Technologies have agreed to consolidate through merger. Combined annual revenues were around $160m in 2004.

The new organisation will have approximately 700 employees and an installed base of more than 3,000 systems worldwide.

Merger completion, which gives Aviza stockholder approximately 60% of the
new Aviza Technology holding company, has Aviza’s stockholder approval
and is subject to approval by Trikon’s stockholders who will own some 40%
of the new company. VantagePoint Ventures, Aviz's largest stockholder,
have 50% ownership.

Jerry Cutini, president and CEO of Aviza, and Patrick O’Connor, executive VP and CFO of Aviza, will continue in those positions. Dr John Macneil, CEO of Trikon, will become executive VP and CTO of the newly formed company.

The seven members of the board of directors will have three each from Aviza and Trikon and a new outside director to be named. Chairman of the board is Robert Anderson, currently serving on the board of directors for Trikon.

As a combined entity, Aviza and Trikon will be better positioned to provide a broader product and technology portfolio to its global customers. By combining front-end-of-line tools and processes with back-end-of-line, the combined company expects to enhance its position as a global solutions provider

“Since Aviza acquired ASML’s Thermal Division 17 months ago, we have been committed to growing the company,” said Aviza's president and CEO, Jerry Cutini. "The consolidation with Trikon fits Aviza’s roadmap well and reinforces our commitment to growth."

“We believe there is great synergy between Trikon’s and Aviza’s product offerings, and therefore expect this transaction to be very positive for both companies and, more importantly, for our customers,” said Trikon's president and CEO Dr. John Macneil.

"Trikon’s product portfolio, consisting of PE, PVD and CVD systems, combined with Aviza’s thermal processing and ALD tools, will allow us to expand and provide a broader solution set."