Vishay Intertechnology to pay $205m for Capella

17 Jul 2014

Vishay’s visible and IR components to complement Capella’s photonics range.

Vishay Intertechnology, Singapore, and subsidiary Vishay Taiwan Optoelectronics have announced the acquisition of Taiwan-based Capella Microsystems, a fabless semiconductor design company. The Vishay subsidiary is to launch a tender offer to purchase the outstanding shares of Capella on the Taiwan open market for $205 million, equivalent to NTD$139 (US$4.63) per share.

Additionally, Capella shareholders will be eligible to receive a cash dividend of NTD$7 ($0.23) per share on July 29, 2014. Senior management and a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Capella other than independent directors have agreed to commit to tender their shares as part of the deal. The companies are aiming to integrate Capella with Vishay as early as is possible.

Complementary products

The parties released a statement saying “Vishay’s visible and infrared components and solutions will be complementary to Capella’s optoelectronics products. In addition to the synergies between the business and technology of the two companies, Capella’s Board believes the merger will further enhance its operational efficiency and competitiveness.” After completing the deal, Capella will be merged into the Vishay subsidiary, taking the latter’s identity. The companies expect the merger will be completed by the end of January 2015.

Vishay, a publicly-traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, claims to be one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, MOSFETs, and infrared optoelectronics) and passive electronic components. Markets include industry, computing, automotive, consumer, telecoms, military, aerospace, power supplies, and medical. Vishay has manufacturing plants in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Israel, and sales offices worldwide.

Capella Microsystems specializes in making optical electronic related products, including ambient light sensors, color sensors, short and long distance proximity sensors, gesture sensors, UV sensors and optical encoders. 
Application areas are telecoms, smartphones, handheld devices, digital cameras, computers, LED backlighting and automotive electronics.

About the Author

Matthew Peach is a contributing editor to optics.org.