News | Energy Efficiency

http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/amtech-systems-closes-chinese-ion-implant-solar-acquisition.html

Nasdaq-listed global supplier of solar manufacturing equipment Amtech Systems has closed its acquisition of a 55 per cent stake in Chinese ion implant solar and semiconductor solution developer Kingstone Semiconductor.

As anticipated, the company paid $5.5m in cash and stock for the company, together with $4m in a contingent promissory note.
Amtech CEO Jong Whang said the acquisition creates a solid foundation for future opportunities in its solar business.
The purpose of the acquisition was to provide a more complete solution for high efficiency solar cell production that Whang predicts will create a new future market for solar cell manufacturing, he said.
Ion implantation eliminates certain steps in the solar cell manufacturing chain, but still requires a diffusion furnace step to repair damage to silicon wafers during the implantation process.
Whang said, ‘With completion of this acquisition, Amtech has established a technology beachhead in a strategically key region of the world, increased our technology expertise, and created a solid foundation for future opportunities for our solar business.
‘We believe ion implant and diffusion furnace technologies will compliment each other and largely grow together into the future market. And we believe the combination of Amtech’s leadership in solar diffusion and Kingtone’s expertise in ion implant technology creates the best opportunity for successful development of an ion implant machine for the solar market.’
Amtech Systems acquired the interest in Shanghai-based Kingstone Semiconductor through acquiring a controlling stake in its holding company Kingstone Technology Hong Kong.