Date: 21/08/2014

A big acquisition in power semiconductor market: Infineon to buy IR

The word's leading power semiconductor vendor Infineon Technologies AG to acquire another leading power semiconductor vendor International Rectifier (IR) for US$ 3 Billion.

The strategy of Infineon behind this deal is, IR has expertise in wide band gap compound semiconductor tech (Gallium Nitride on Silicon). Infineon said through this acquisition it acquires an advanced manufacturer in Gallium Nitride on Silicon (GaN) based power semiconductors. This combination will accelerate and solidify Infineon’s position in GaN discretes and GaN system solutions, improving its ability to pursue this strategically important technology platform with significant future growth potential.

Dr. Reinhard Ploss, CEO of Infineon Technologies AG, says: “The acquisition of International Rectifier is a unique opportunity. With their great knowledge of specific customer needs and their application understanding, International Rectifier employees will contribute to Infineon’s strategic development from product thinking to system understanding and system solutions. The combination of Infineon’s and International Rectifier’s products, technological and innovative excellence, as well as distributional strength will unleash great potential.”

Oleg Khaykin, President and CEO of International Rectifier, says: “This transaction provides significant value to our stockholders and opens new strategic opportunities for both our customers and employees. By combining two complementary providers in power management solutions, International Rectifier will benefit from Infineon’s products and technologies, manufacturing and operational excellence and greater R&D scale.”
Author: Srinivasa Reddy N