Credence buys tester IP supplier NewMillennia Solutions

Credence buys tester IP supplier NewMillennia Solutions
By Semiconductor Business News
October 26, 2000 (12:55 p.m. EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20001026S0022

FREMONT, Calif.--Credence Systems Corp. here today announced it has acquired full ownership of NewMillennia Solutions Inc., a supplier of design-for-test technology and embedded intellectual property (IP) used in system-on-chip designs. The purchase is aimed at increasing Credence's ability to support next-generation test requirements in complex ICs.

Two months ago, Credence invested $4 million in NewMillennia Solutions, taking a 19.8% stake in the Irving, Calif.-based company (see Oct. 17 story). Credence today said it has agreed to acquire NewMillennia for a total of $11.3 million, including its original investment.

The founder and CEO of NewMillennia, Jim Ellis, will become vice president and general manager of the new NMS Division at Credence. Ellis said his company's expertise in design-for-test techniques and Credence's resources for chip-testing solutions will enable t he company to speed new test solutions to the marketplace "without compromising the quality of design."

Credence said it the transaction will be accounted for as a purchase valued at $11.3 million.