Air Liquide to Acquire Voltaix, an Electronics Materials Company

PARIS & HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Air Liquide has signed an agreement to acquire Voltaix Inc., a U.S. based electronics materials company. The acquisition is expected to close later this summer, pending applicable regulatory approvals.

Founded in 1986, Voltaix is a manufacturer of materials used in the production of semiconductor devices and advanced solar cells, with expertise and global stewardship in silicon, germanium, and boron chemistries. It operates manufacturing facilities in the U.S. in Branchburg (New Jersey), High Springs (Florida) and Portland (Pennsylvania) and in South Korea in Sejong-si (South Chungcheong Province). The company employs 185 employees.

Air Liquide, with its ALOHA™ product line, is recognized as an industry leader in advanced precursors for semiconductor manufacturing. Precursors are molecules with specific physical and chemical properties that are used for depositing critical layers during fabrication of microelectronic devices. Air Liquide utilizes a comprehensive process for designing, screening and industrializing advanced precursors in close cooperation with semiconductor industry leaders and process tool makers.

The acquisition of Voltaix complements the ALOHA™ offer and brings together synergies in molecule discovery and scale up, contributing to accelerate the introduction of a broader portfolio of new high-tech materials to semiconductor manufacturers and therefore enabling the increase in computing power and connectivity.

Michael J. Graff, Senior Vice-President Americas and a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, commented: “Air Liquide and Voltaix share a culture of innovation. Joining the resources and expertise of our two companies will expand our product offering for semiconductor manufacturers around the world. Our continuous innovation on new molecules allows us to timely meet the growing consumer demand for increasingly powerful flat screens, tablets and smart phones.”

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in 80 countries with close to 50,000 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide’s activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates for the good of society while delivering profitable growth and consistent performance.

Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry’s energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy… Oxygen for hospitals, home healthcare, fighting nosocomial infections… Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.

A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide’s teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, conquer new territories and build its future.

Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable development approach. In 2012, the Group’s revenues amounted to € 15.3 billion of which 82% were generated outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.

Air Liquide Electronics
With over 3,500 employees and €1,222 million of revenue in 2012, Air Liquide Electronics has activities in ultra-pure carrier and specialty gases, new molecules, related equipment and customized services.

The Electronics division management is based in Asia to enhance its proximity to the markets for semiconductors, flat panel displays and solar photovoltaics.

ALOHA^TM
ALOHA^TM deploys its global competencies in designing, screening and manufacturing of novel precursors in close alignment with semiconductor industry leaders. ZyALD^TM, TORuS^TM, SAM.24^TM and TSA are some of the industry recognized value added molecules that ALOHA^TM has successfully designed and industrialized over the years.