ams AG acquires CMOSIS from TA Associates

Livingstone’s Industrial sector team has advised the shareholders of ams (SIX: AMS), a leading worldwide provider of high-performance sensor and analogue solutions, on the acquisition of CMOSIS from TA Associates, for €220m.

Founded in 2007, Antwerp-based CMOSIS operates as a fabless semiconductor supplier from locations in Belgium, Germany, Portugal, and the U.S. CMOSIS’s image sensors serve a broad range of high-end applications in diverse markets including machine vision, medical, broadcast, traffic, scientific and photographic imaging. In addition, CMOSIS’s NanEye miniature camera module line is used for endoscopy-like medical applications, and recently won the German Innovation Award for Non-Clinical Intensive Care. CMOSIS’s projected revenues for 2015 are approx. €60m.

“Acquiring CMOSIS extends our position of market leader in optical sensors, and strengthens our position as the leading pure-play sensor solutions provider for growth markets including Industry 4.0, Internet of Things, and medical diagnostics. Integrating cameras with advanced optical sensors will drive new sensor solutions across vertical markets and accelerate our growth plans as we combine CMOSIS’ leading edge IP and design capabilities with our manufacturing competence and optical sensor strengths.” said Kirk Laney, CEO of ams.

Thomas Riener, EVP Marketing & Strategy at ams, added: “We benefited from Livingstone’s help and advice – from valuation through to tactics, negotiation, and hands-on support. We look forward to working with Livingstone again on future transactions.”

“CMOSIS has built a leading position in some of the most challenging imaging applications based on our deep technology expertise in CMOS area and line scan image sensors. We are excited to join ams, creating a leader in advanced imaging solutions. ams’ technical and operational expertise will strengthen our own our own offering, and we will benefit from having access to potential new customers to realise our full growth potential.” added Luc de Mey, CEO of CMOSIS.

Dr. Ralf Nowak, Partner at Livingstone Düsseldorf, concluded: “We’re delighted to have helped ams complete another important acquisition in pursuit of its wider growth strategy.”