PRI Acquires Equipe Technologies

PRI Automation, Inc. has completed its acquisition of Equipe Technologies, a supplier of wafer-handling robots to semiconductor process tool manufacturers. The acquisition, originally announced on Oct. 27, 1997, involves the issuance of 4.4 million shares of PRI common stock to Equipe shareholders.

As discussed in the SIA Technology Roadmap, the move to 300mm wafer processing challenges semiconductor manufacturers and OEM process tool manufacturers to achieve full integration of all process tools with automated material handling systems. The Equipe acquisition allows PRI to automate virtually every wafer move throughout the fab.

The Equipe Division of PRI Automation, Inc., designs, manufactures and markets precision vacuum and atmospheric robots for the semiconductor and flat panel industries. Division headquarters are in Sunnyvale, Calif.

PRI Automation, Inc., headquartered in Billerica, Mass., is a supplier of advanced factory automation systems that enhance the competitiveness of semiconductor manufacturers. PRI is the only company to provide a tightly integrated and flexible hardware and software solution that optimizes the flow of wafers throughout the fab. The company currently has more than 1,600 systems installed at approximately 100 locations worldwide.

For more information, contact PRI Automation, Inc. Tel: 978-670-4270, ext. 3024.