NXP Semiconductors Acquires The Catena Group
Strengthens Leadership in Automotive Analog Mixed Signal and Wireless Connectivity
Eindhoven, The Netherlands (Marketwire) - NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Dutch electronic design and IP company Catena Group. NXP has a long-standing relationship with Catena, and this acquisition will enable NXP to continue to innovate and further strengthen its leadership in the automotive analog mixed signal solutions business and in wireless car connectivity.
On completion of the deal, NXP will own 100% of the Catena shares, while Catena will continue to operate as a separate design company. This deal gives NXP access to Catena's patents, IP and proprietary development tools, while enabling Catena to continue serving third party companies on a standalone basis. A supervisory board will be installed consisting of top management from NXP and Catena.
Established in 1986, with offices in the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria, Catena is recognised as a center of excellence in Radio Frequency Communication, Analog, Mixed Signal and Digital Signal Processing. As such, this acquisition is a logical next step in NXP's High Performance Mixed Signal strategy of focusing on High Performance Mixed Signal markets.
By securing continuity of Catena's IP skills and competencies in wireless RF mixed signal technologies, this acquisition will enable NXP to capitalize on the growing demand from car manufacturers for new technologies such as CO2 reduction and Connected Mobility, wirelessly connecting the car to infrastructure, to other cars, as well as connecting the car to the driver.
Rick Clemmer, president and CEO of NXP Semiconductors, said, "This acquisition reinforces the long-standing and very successful technology and business partnership between NXP and Catena. Combining the core competencies of both teams enables us to further strengthen our leadership in wireless connectivity in automotive and other sectors. Catena has already made a significant contribution to NXP becoming the number one chip supplier for the global car entertainment market, and so we look forward to many more years of success to come."
Rien Geurtsen, President of Catena Group, said, "We're very pleased with this definitive strengthening of the relationship between our two companies, particularly as NXP already generates up to 60% of our yearly sales. Catena is a profitable and steadily growing company, and is an exciting place for creative and ambitious engineers to work in -- by working even more closely, we are certain that the company will continue to expand and innovate with NXP."
About NXP Semiconductors
NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions that leverage its leading RF, Analog, Power Management, Interface, Security and Digital Processing expertise. These innovations are used in a wide range of automotive, identification, wireless infrastructure, lighting, industrial, mobile, consumer and computing applications. A global semiconductor company with operations in more than 25 countries, NXP posted revenue of $4.2 billion in 2011. Additional information can be found by visiting www.nxp.com.
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SOURCE: NXP Semiconductors