TOKYO, June 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest Corporation (TSE: 6857) has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Italy-based CREA - Collaudi Elettronici Automatizzati S.r.l. ("CREA”).

CREA is a major supplier of power semiconductor test equipment. Its products are used to test all kinds of power devices, and are utilized by global semiconductor companies around the world.

The global response to climate change has stimulated demand for electric vehicles and energy-efficient data centers, boosting demand for power ICs, which are needed to efficiently supply electricity for these and other applications. Manufacturers are accelerating the development of next-generation silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power devices, which have superior power characteristics, while power semiconductors are also increasingly being integrated into other devices. The power device market is expected to grow significantly in the future.

CREA has many years of extensive experience in the development and production of test equipment for power semiconductors, including the latest SiC / GaN semiconductors. This acquisition will enable Advantest to provide broader test and measurement solutions to a wider range of customers in high-growth sectors.

Advantest President and CEO Yoshiaki Yoshida commented, "The acquisition of CREA will expand our test and measurement solutions within the evolving semiconductor value chain to meet a wider range of customer needs. By integrating CREA's product lineup, development capabilities, excellent customer base, and world-class R&D team into the Advantest Group, we can enrich our portfolio of power semiconductor test solutions. I am also confident that as the power device market is expected to grow in the future, this acquisition will contribute directly to our and our customers’ efforts to help achieve Net Zero.”

CREA, headquartered in Ciriè close to Torino, Italy, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Advantest Europe GmbH, the Company's European subsidiary. The closing of the transaction is tied to regulatory approvals.

The financial advisor on this acquisition was Houlihan Lokey Corporation, and the legal advisors were Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu and Pedersoli Studio Legale.

About Advantest Corporation

Advantest (TSE: 6857) is the leading manufacturer of automatic test and measurement equipment used in the design and production of semiconductors for applications including 5G communications, the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, high performance computing (HPC) including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and more. Its leading-edge systems and products are integrated into the most advanced semiconductor production lines in the world. The company also conducts R&D to address emerging testing challenges and applications; develops advanced test-interface solutions for wafer sort and final test; produces scanning electron microscopes essential to photomask manufacturing; and offers system-level test solutions and other test-related accessories. Founded in Tokyo in 1954, Advantest is a global company with facilities around the world and an international commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility. More information is available at www.advantest.com.

ADVANTEST CORPORATION

Shin-Marunouchi Center Building
1-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
Tel：+81-70-4017-8104
Contact: Yoichi Oyama, PR Department