Semiconductor equipment maker MKS Instruments will buy specialty chemicals group Atotech for about $5.1 billion to expand its chip manufacturing offerings.
The deal comes at a time the chip industry has been dealing with a global shortage of semiconductors that has shuttered some auto production lines and its impact has been felt in other areas, including consumer electronics.
Atotech, backed by buyout firm Carlyle Group, makes chemicals and equipment for printed circuit boards and semiconductors that are used in smartphones, appliances and heavy machinery.
The deal, expected to close by the fourth quarter of this year, will expand MKS’ offerings in chip manufacturing through the addition of Atotech’s plating chemicals.
