European acquisitions put more power to National

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team May 2, 2002

National Semiconductor has acquired Fincitec and ARSmikro, based in Kemi, Finland, and Tallinn, Estonia, respectively, in deals worth a total of US $15 million.

Expanding its role in analogue and power management technologies, National Semiconductor has acquired Fincitec and ARSmikro, based in Kemi, Finland, and Tallinn, Estonia, respectively, in deals worth a total of US $15 million.

Both companies develop low-voltage, low-power ASICs for battery-powered devices.

The acquisitions strengthen National's development capabilities for power management circuits for the portable market.

They will enable National to expand its suite of integrated and discrete silicon solutions for handheld devices, including cell phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras and similar electronic devices.

"National Semiconductor is the leading innovator for power management products.

The addition of Fincitec and ARSmikro's engineering expertise will enhance our ability to offer a more complete energy management capability to manufacturers of portable devices", said Peter Henry, director of portable power systems at National Semiconductor.

Fincitec, founded in 1986 and ARSmikro, founded in 1997, together add 55 employees, expanding National Semiconductor's geographical presence and providing increased service for key customers in the region.

"Joining National Semiconductor significantly strengthens the semiconductor industry in Finland", said Paavo Takalo, president of Fincitec and chairman of the board for ARSmikro.

"National's global presence and outstanding manufacturing will open exciting prospects to us and expands the ability of our design staff to address opportunities with major manufacturers of portable electronic devices".

National is powering innovation.

First in technology, performance and packaging, National supplies world-class power management solutions for applications and displays in cell phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras and other handheld, portable electronic devices.