Troubled integrated circuit manufacturer Cirrus Logic Inc has merged its European sales operations with wholly-owned subsidiary Crystal Semiconductor Corp, in a bid to focus on key markets. The combined sales force will be responsible for selling both lines, with the company retaining the Crystal name as a badge for its high-end products. Cirrus shed 400 jobs as part of a global restructuring program implemented in April (CI 3148) but European marketing director Chris Russell denied the latest move would lead to any further job cuts. He said: we’ve looked at our business and put a new structure in place, perhaps we should have implemented this sooner….but it’s not a negative move. Russell added that the company was also looking to expand its modem business saying it was due to complete a deal with an unnamed set-top box manufacturer. However he declined to comment on when the company would be returning to profitability.
