Ams AG has signed an agreement to divest NFC and RFID reader IP, technologies and product lines to STMicroelectronics for an up-front cash consideration of $79.3 Million (approx. EUR 71.5m) plus a substantial deferred earn-out consideration contingent on future results of up to $37 million. With this transaction, ST takes another step towards becoming a leading provider of sensor solutions worldwide. They will retain their sensor-related NFC/RFID tags business and relevant design capabilities to create wireless IoT sensor solutions and support upcoming sensor nodes.
The transaction is part of their ongoing efforts to actively manage their portfolio of technologies with a clear focus on implementing sensor solutions strategy. The divestment comprises NFC assets, including NFC front-end and antenna boost solutions, and integrated HF/UHF RFID reader assets. The related design and marketing resources are mostly based in Premstaetten, Austria, and Ljubljana, Slovenia, and include around 50 employees which will be transferred to STMicroelectronics. They will retain their NFC/RFID wireless tags business and related IP and plans to create wireless sensor solutions for IoT applications combining NFC and RFID connectivity interfaces with their portfolio of sensors.
Alexander Everke, CEO of Ams, commented on the transaction, “Divesting certain RFID/NFC product lines streamlines our product and technology portfolio around our core sensor solutions competence while maximizing the value of our high performance wireless IP. We are dedicated to actively managing our technology portfolio and focus on the most relevant opportunities driving our sensor solutions strategy forward. This transaction is a next strategic step on our way to make ams the world’s leading provider of sensor solutions for all major end markets.”
