SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Tessera Technologies Inc. said it is considering spinning off its imaging and optics unit, and plans to expand into the semiconductor business beyond packaging.
The company, which licenses miniaturization technology for electronic devices, said late Wednesday that it has retained GCA Savvian Advisors LLC to assist in evaluating alternatives for the imaging and optics business, including a spinoff.
Tessera Chairman and CEO Henry Nothhaft said he believes the unit may grow more quickly and serve its customers better as a stand-alone business.
The company did not say when it expects to reach a decision on whether to spin off the unit.
Tessera has formed a group charged with developing semiconductor technology beyond packaging. The group will be responsible for an initial portfolio of about 280 patents and patent applications, the company said.
About 40 current Tessera employees in San Jose will focus on circuitry design, memory modules and 3-D architecture, among other areas.