MEMSCAP To Acquire Cronos Unit From JDS Uniphase

GRENOBLE, France, & SAN JOSE, Calif., August 2 -- MEMSCAP, provider of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) solutions, announced it has entered an agreement to acquire substantially all of the business and assets of JDS Uniphase's Cronos MEMS business unit.

As JDS Uniphase's exclusive supplier of MEMS-based products, MEMSCAP will provide ongoing access to MEMS technology as well as a secure source for the continued availability of MEMS optical products. As part of the agreement, JDS Uniphase has provided MEMSCAP with initial purchase commitments for products and services.

MEMSCAP said it will integrate Cronos into MEMSCAP's manufacturing facility in Bernin, France. Cronos, originally a commercial spinoff of MCNC, was acquired by JDS Uniphase in April 2000 as a platform for its MEMS business unit. MEMSCAP and JDS Uniphase will enter into a commercial agreement that will make MEMSCAP the exclusive supplier to JDS Uniphase of MEMS chips for MEMS-based products for a period of not less than three years after the acquisition.