Xemics / Semtech

XEMICS is a research and development (R&D) intensive company. XEMICS SA, a fabless developer of ultra-low power analog, radio frequency (RF) and digital integrated circuits (IC). The company is privately held and based in Switzerland. XEMICS applies its low-power, low-voltage design expertise acrossits core technologies — sensor interfacing/data acquisition, 8-bit RISC microcontrollers, RF transceivers and audio Codecs. These capabilities are aimed at adding value in next generation, highly integrated battery powered wireless and sensing applications.

XEMICS was established in 1997 as a spin out of the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM). CSEM, which is funded by both government and industry sources, carriesout applied research and product development. XEMICS works closely with CSEM on commercializing new technologies and is expected to continue to do so after the acquisition.

In calendar year 2004, XEMICS generated net salesof about $23 million, mostly from custom and standard IC products for battery powered applications, remote metering, embedded systemsand medical devices. Gross margin during this period was 48 percent.

The addition of XEMICS strategically enhances Semtech’s competitive edge in high performance analog. XEMICS offers proprietary technology, including patents and other exclusive IP; access to applied research; and an existing business that is growing. Semtech has market presence and capital resources; relationships with industry leaders; a roughly $225 million base of synergistic product sales; and a worldwide infrastructure of sales, marketing and low cost manufacturing resources.

XEMICS was acquired by Semtech International AG in 2005, Semtech’s wholly-owned Swiss subsidiary, and will be known as the Wireless and Sensing Products business unit. Semtech Corporationis a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors used in a wide range of computer, industrial and communication applications.