Golden Gate Capital Acquires Leica Semiconductor Equipment Division

Wetzlar, Germany -- Golden Gate Capital and Leica Microsystems AG, a subsidiary of Danaher Corporation, announced that Golden Gate Capital has acquired the Semiconductor Equipment Division (SED) of Leica Microsystems AG. Terms were not disclosed.

"We are excited about our acquisition of Leica Microsystems SED," said David Dominik, Managing Director of Golden Gate Capital. "SED is well-positioned for growth as a market leader in mask metrology, optical defect review, and direct-write E-beam lithography."

Leica Microsystems SED will continue to be led by the current management team and have a global customer base with manufacturing operations in Germany and the United Kingdom. The company will continue to be called Leica Microsystems SED for a short transition period until a new name has been established.

The acquisition of Leica Microsystems SED represents the second semiconductor investment for Golden Gate Capital in 2005. In April, Golden Gate Capital acquired TDK Semiconductor, now named Teridian Semiconductor. Both acquisitions were carve-outs from larger corporate parents.

SOURCE: Leica Microsystems SED