IC test system supplier Credence Systems has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire US company Optonics, a supplier of emission-based optical diagnostics and failure analysis (FA).

The acquisition enables Credence to expand into the markets for advanced silicon debug, characterisation and device failure analysis. The deal would likely be an all-stock transaction for 2mn Credence shares. The transaction is subject to various closing conditions, including approval by Optonics shareholders. Optonics shareholders holding 75% of the outstanding shares have agreed to vote in favour of the transaction.
The parties anticipate that the transaction will close in Credences current quarter. We reported last week (Bulletin 360, November 14, 2002) that Motorola is to use OptonicsÕ EmiScope-I photon emission diagnostic solution for node level timing measurement of flip-chip and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices.