Zygo and ESI merge for mutual benefit

22 Oct 2008

Both parties welcome the union of their complementary technologies and predict a bright future in high-volume applications.

Zygo optics

A merger between US firms Zygo and Electro Scientific Industries (ESI) has been agreed and enthusiastically welcomed by senior management. "The combination will create a photonics powerhouse," Nicholas Konidaris of ESI told investors. "It produces a premier photonics group and a worldwide centre of excellence for optics." Revenues for the combined companies in 2007 were approximately $458 million.

As described by Konidaris, Zygo's expertise in precision metrology systems will enhance ESI's portfolio of laser microengineering technologies. In turn, ESI's strengths in systems design and high-volume production support will better address the needs of Zygo's global customers.

The merged company will focus on micromachining applications, in both semiconductor and microelectronics markets, and in the metrology sector. The latter will include development of in-line high-volume production systems for lithography, and also instruments for high-precision interferometry in lower volume industries and research labs.

Both Zygo and ESI were keen to stress the beneficial overlap of their core competences in microengineering, high-volume solutions and photon characterization. Despite this overlap, no changes to the product line are currently foreseen.

"The merger will allow us to better execute our growth strategy into high-volume applications," said Zygo CEO Bruce Robinson. "The combined company will have the size and scale to make specific investments and compete in global markets."

"We want to grow aggressively and we want to grow profitably," confirmed Konidaris. "New opportunities now lie ahead of us."