Maxim Integrated Products has acquired SensorDynamics, a micro-electro-mechanical systems and wireless semiconductor manufacturer, after buying out stakes held by five significant stakeholders. Exiting investors include Siemens Venture Capital and Pontis Capital. The cost of acquisition is USD 130 million plus USD 34 million in assumed debt, and the purchase will enable SensorDynamics to leverage Maxim’s manufacturing, distribution and sales capabilities while allowing it to focus on engineering specialized high-volume industrial and high-end consumer products.
Sensordynamics AG (www.sensordynamics.cc)
Sensordynamics AG is an Austria based semi-fabless semiconductor manufacturer which develops microelectromechanical (MEMS) solutions and proprietary sensors.
The market for MEMS-based sensors has been estimated at USD 7.7 billion in 2011 and Sensordynamics’ gyroscope inertial technology has potential of about USD 900 million. The firm was founded in 2003 and received USD 36.8 million in series B funding in December 2007.
Sensordynamics received funding from several sources: I4G Investment, Siemens Venture Capital, DEWB, Pontis Capital and Fidura Private Equity Funds.
Pontis Capital (www.pontiscapital.at)
Pontis Capital is a Vienna-based management-owned spin off from another Austrian company. Founded in 2005, the company’s main target sector is technology firms. Significant investments include those in Eucodis Bioscience, a manufacturer of industrial enzymes, and Xendex Holding, a multi-media gaming development company.
Their geographic focus centers in Austria and the neighboring countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia.
Pontis Capital’s typical investment range is EUR 1-5 million per company with an investment cycle of three to seven years.
Siemens Venture Capital (www.siemens.com)
Siemens Venture Capital is the investment arm of Siemens AG. SVC leverages the parent companies extensive resources to nurture entrepreneurs in their portfolio companies with the necessary strategic management guidance to achieve high-quality, sustainable growth. In turn, target companies gain greater global visibility and credibility, and benefit from Siemens’ global network of expertise.
During its history SVC invested in more than 150 companies and 40 venture capital funds.
Their investment focus ranges from the energy and industry sector to healthcare and fund-of- fund investments. Their current portfolio includes SmartSynch Inc., BPL Global, Masdar Clean Tech Fund, Beijing PowerU Technology Co., Ltd. , Encelium Technologies, EnOcean GmbH, among many other.
SVC’s typical investment is between EUR 2 and EUR 5 Million per financing round.
01/10/2011
Austria, Central & Eastern Europe, Exit, Industrial Products &Services, Private Equity News, USA