SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Semiconductor equipment maker Applied Materials Inc. said Monday it is purchasing privately held Italy-based Baccini S.p.A. for approximately 225 million euros ($330 million) in cash.
Baccini is a supplier of automated metallization and test systems for making solar cells.
''With this acquisition, Applied will become a leading provider of (crystalline silicon) cell manufacturing solutions to the (photovoltaic) industry,'' Mike Splinter, Applied Materials president and chief executive, said in a statement.
The acquisition is expected to close in early 2008, subject to customary closing conditions including receipt of certain non-U.S. regulatory approvals.
