Applied Materials to raise BESI stake to 20% amid antitrust review
by@Reuters
Summary
Applied Materials, the largest shareholder in BESI since acquiring a 9% stake in April 2025, has announced plans to raise its stake to approximately 20% through an accelerated share purchase agreement, pending US antitrust review. This expanded partnership aims to enhance collaboration on new chip-connection and packaging technologies that are vital for the development of next-generation AI semiconductors. Notably, Applied Materials has affirmed that it does not intend to exceed the 20% stake or seek board representation at BESI, maintaining its focus on a minority investment while continuing their collaboration that began in 2020 on hybrid bonding technology.
Tokens
$AMAT$BESI
Analysis
Applied Materials: Applied Materials is a leading supplier of equipment, services, and software for the manufacture of semiconductor chips, displays, and related products. In this news, the company is increasing its stake in BESI to around 20 percent through an accelerated share purchase agreement, deepening its involvement in advanced packaging solutions. The expanded partnership targets new technologies for chip connections to support next-generation AI semiconductors, building on collaboration that began in 2020. BE Semiconductor Industries: BE Semiconductor Industries, often referred to as BESI, develops and manufactures equipment for the semiconductor assembly and packaging industry, with a focus on advanced packaging techniques. The company is the target of Applied Materials' stake increase to approximately 20 percent, which remains below levels that would trigger board representation or further expansion. This move strengthens the existing partnership on hybrid bonding technology used in high-performance chips. Regulatory Step: The additional share purchase is subject to US antitrust review before completion. Partnership Focus: The collaboration centers on hybrid bonding and other chip-connection technologies for supporting AI semiconductor advancements. Investment Approach: Applied Materials is pursuing a minority stake expansion without seeking board seats or exceeding the 20 percent threshold.
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