📰 Applied Materials Bets on Besi’s Future
American tech giant takes major stake in Dutch chip company. What does this mean for Besi, the sector, and investors?
It was the news of the day: U.S.-based Applied Materials AMAT 0.00%↑ has bought 9% of the shares in Dutch chip machine maker Besi (BE Semiconductor Industries). That makes Applied the biggest shareholder in the company. The market reacted fast this morning, Besi’s shares rose nearly 8%.
This move is not only about money. Applied Materials says it does not want a seat on Besi’s board. So the company is not trying to take control. Still, the message is clear: Applied trusts Besi’s technology. One of the most important parts of that is “hybrid bonding”, a way to place two chips on top of each other. This helps build faster and more energy-efficient chips, which are needed for new technologies like AI.
What does this mean for Besi?
For Besi, this is a big sign of trust. The deal may be worth around €630 million, but even more important is what it says about their place in the chip world. Besi is seen as a leader in machines that are used to put chips together in smarter ways.
The two companies already worked together. Now, the connection becomes even stronger. This shows Applied wants to support Besi’s technology, and not build a similar solution themselves.
Besi has said it wants to stay an independent company. Some experts still believe this could be the start of a closer partnership in the future. In any case, working closely with one of the biggest names in chip machines gives Besi more strength and more chances to grow.
And for Applied Materials?
For Applied Materials, this is a smart and simple way to move forward. Building this kind of chip technology takes a lot of time. By working with Besi, they get faster access to these tools. This helps Applied stay strong in a fast-changing market.
As AI keeps growing, chipmakers need better ways to build their products. Hybrid bonding is one of the key solutions. With this move, Applied is making sure it can offer the best tools to its customers.
A new chapter for the chip industry
This deal shows how the chip industry is changing. In the past, it was about who could make the most chips. Now, it’s about who can make the smartest and most powerful chips. To do that, companies need new and better technologies.
Besi is one of the few companies that focuses on this special part of chip making. That’s why they are getting so much attention. These tools are no longer just helpful, they are becoming essential. And companies that build them are now in the spotlight.
The bottom line for investors
For investors, this is more than just a short-term stock boost. Applied Materials’ investment sends a strong signal that Besi holds a key position in the next phase of chip development. That makes the stock more attractive in the long run, especially as hybrid bonding becomes a crucial technology for AI and other advanced applications.
The deal could also be a broader sign that major players are actively seeking partners with unique, specialized technology. Investors would be wise to look at other niche companies in the chip sector with similar potential, this may well be the beginning of a new wave of strategic partnerships.
Source: Bloomberg, BNR, Reuters
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