Press Release

ZEISS SMT announces to acquire high-tech company based in Switzerland

5 September 2024 · 2 min read

ZEISS SMT is planning to expand production and R&D capacities
The Lithography division of Beyond Gravity will be integrated into the ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology segment

Oberkochen, Germany | 5 September 2024 | ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology

The ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) segment has signed a purchase agreement for the acquisition of the Lithography division of Beyond Gravity in Zurich (Switzerland) and Coswig (near Dresden). The company is a leading player in the development and production of special actuators and complex mechatronic modules. With the acquisition of the Swiss company, formerly known as RUAG International, ZEISS SMT is expanding its production and R&D capacities to meet the high global demand for systems for semiconductor production. Zurich and Coswig are also attractive and strategically important sites.

The company building of Beyond Gravity in Zurich-Seebach (Switzerland). — The Lithography division of Beyond Gravity develops and manufactures actuators and complex mechatronics modules at the site in Zurich-Seebach (Switzerland).

Passion for precision unites

Both companies have been working closely together for years. The high-precision products of Beyond Gravity are an important element in the semiconductor supply chain. In addition to the high-tech infrastructure used to manufacture mechatronic products, Beyond Gravity is also contributing its innovative strength as well as R&D and engineering capacities. Around 210 employees are currently working in the Lithography division of Beyond Gravity in Zurich and Coswig. They all will receive a takeover bid from ZEISS.

The acquisition is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of the current calendar year. The transaction is subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authority. Both companies have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Press Contact Jeannine Rapp Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 10 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2023).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 44,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, 35 research and development facilities, and 35 production facilities worldwide (status: 31 March 2024). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology

With its product portfolio and expertise, the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology segment of ZEISS covers a variety of key processes in the production of microchips. Its products include semiconductor manufacturing optics – notably lithography optics – as well as photomask systems and process control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing. Thanks to ZEISS technology, microchips are becoming increasingly smaller, more powerful, more energy-efficient and more affordable. The electronic applications of these ongoing enhancements enable global progress in many disciplines such as technology, electronics, communication, entertainment, mobility and energy. Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology is headquartered in Oberkochen. Other sites include Jena, Rossdorf, Wetzlar and Aachen in Germany, as well as Bar Lev (Israel) and Dublin, CA and Danvers, MA (USA).

Press Photos

The company building of Beyond Gravity

The Lithography division of Beyond Gravity develops and manufactures actuators and complex mechatronics modules at the site in Zurich-Seebach (Switzerland).

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