Moser Baer acquires OM&T BV - a Philips optical technology & R&D subsidiary

Moser Baer India Ltd has announced that the Company and global giant Philips on February 06, 2007 has announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which the Company will acquire OM&T B.V., a highly specialized technology Company for optical R&D, which currently is a 100% subsidiary of Philips.

"This acquisition is a major strategic milestone for the Moser Baer as we Implement our strategy to be at the forefront, of technology in both the optical and solar photovoltaic (PV) segments." comments Ratul Puri, Executive Director of the Company.

This acquisition will complement the existing cutting edge technology research being done in the Company's R&D center in India and help the global number two player in the optical media market to further consolidate its leadership position. According to the agreement, all IP created by OM&T will be transferred to the Company. The Joint venture will also focus on development of photovoltaic technologies to support the Company's PV business.

While OM&T has been instrumental for developing new optical media solutions and technologies creating new markets via global standardization, its pioneering work in Blu-ray and its status of being the only Company outside Japan which is shipping Blu-ray discs will jumpstart the Company's objective of being amongst the first few global manufacturers of the Blu-ray disc.

The Company’s proprietary patented L2H (low to high) technology, along with OM&T competencies in the H2L (high to Low) technology will ensure that the Company leads in Blu-ray disc technology and manufacture. Having already established a first mover advantage in HD DVD-R format, the Company will now extend its technology leadership position in the Blu-ray media as well as other new formats like Holographic Storage.

According to Girth Baluja; COO - Blank optical media, of the Company, "OM&T brings to MBI not only its state-of-the-art Blu-ray disc testing and manufacturing capabilities, world class mastering and stamper making expertise, test and professional discs opportunities but also a pool of highly qualified scientists and engineers. This talented pool will augment Moser Baer’s capabilities in the areas of optical media, PV and beyond."

OM&T will also help the Company's entry in the Test Disc market, in which OM&T is a leading player. Test Disc enable disk manufacturers to test and calibrate their drives. With the agreement, the Company will also be able to Leverage OM&Ts best in class mastering and stamper making capabilities. The Company and OM&T will complement each other well in terms of key R&D initiative and help the Company in further establish the Company's leadership position.

OM&T also possesses world class capabilities in thin film, wet chemical processing, optics & concentration and testing procedures which will enable the Company to take a significant leap forward in R&D efforts in multiple PV technology forays.

Source : Equity Bulls

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