2015: A year of merger mania in semiconductor manufacturing

摘要

2015 was a record-setting year across the semiconductor industry. Merger mania hit new highs, with 18 deals of $100 million or more making headlines. Mergers closing by October 31 st were valued at $110 billion. Yet some major deals did not happen, as was the case with the Tokyo Electron/Applied Materials match-up. Meanwhile, the acquisition of KLA-Tencor by Lam Research Corporation announced in fourth quarter moves forward with the approval of most industry watchers even though regulators have not officially weighed-in.