STMicroelectronics NV has paid $43m for Arithmos Inc. The Geneva, Switzerland chipmaker said Arithmos’ technology will help it carry its established strength in the CRT monitor IC market into the burgeoning market for ICs which drive liquid crystal displays. Six year-old Arithmos, of Santa Clara, California, has specialized in flat panel display technologies, and is recognized as a technology innovator in the field.
An STM spokesperson said this acquisition should not be thought of in terms of sales, but in terms of technology. We believe they [Arithmos] have the best technology on the market. In particular, said STM, Arithmos’ IQ Sync, and PerfectColor technologies are regarded as key market differentiators in the LCD space.
The deal, which is scheduled to be concluded within the next two months, will give STM rights to all Arithmos patents, intellectual property and other technologies. Arithmos will be incorporated within STM’s Consumer and Microcontroller Group which is headquartered in Grenoble, France. STM said there were no immediate plans to move Arithmos staff from their present California location.
