On December 7, high-tech company OSRAM announced integration with sensor solutions maker Ams. It is reported that Ames will acquire more than 55% of OSRAM for a price of 4.6 billion euros. Its management will join the Osram Board of Directors and, based on a business combination, will work together to become a global leader in sensor solutions and optoelectronic technology.
OSRAM, ams
Osram Group, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a high-tech company with more than 110 years of brand history. Its products are mainly based on semiconductor technology, from virtual reality, autonomous driving, smart phones, and smart connected lighting solutions in buildings and cities. Ams Semiconductor Group is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of sensor solutions, with 22 design centers covering Europe, Asia, and the United States, focusing on the three major areas of optics, imaging and audio.
OSRAM management believes that the combination of the two parties will bring opportunities to the development of the optoelectronic semiconductor business unit. The integration with Ams will not only help the continuous innovation of sensors and optoelectronic solutions, but also better meet the needs of different customers.
OSRAM, ams
"Ams' 3D sensing solution"
Proposals for integration have been advanced since November this year. Olaf Berlien, CEO of Osram, stated that Osram attaches great importance to the interests of employees and strives to protect the existing working environment of all business units. The board of directors of both parties will work out a reasonable roadmap for integration through an equal dialogue with unions and employee representatives. In the merger agreement, Ames promised OSRAM employees and factories that employees will not be laid off as a result of the merger and the protection period will be extended to the end of 2022. In addition, Ames clearly supports OSRAM's optoelectronic development strategy, and the OSRAM brand will also appear on the new group's company name.
The acquisition will bring a high premium to OSRAM shareholders. OSRAM related sources said that the acquisition process will be value-oriented, and OSRAM shareholders will earn 41 euros (about 320 yuan) per share. Since the start of the acquisition process, OSRAM shares have risen 42%. However, the acquisition also needs to be subject to anti-monopoly and foreign trade supervision. It is expected that the integration measures of the two companies will be formally implemented in the second half of 2020.