Golden Gate Acquires Leica Unit

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6 -- Golden Gate Capital, a San Francisco-based investment firm, has acquired the Semiconductor Equipment Div. (SED) of Leica Microsystems AG, a subsidiary of Danaher Corp. Terms were not disclosed.

Leica Microsystems SED makes quality-control and defect analysis solutions and electron-beam (E-beam) lithography systems for the semiconductor industry. It will continue to be led by its current management team and will have manufacturing operations in Germany and the UK. The company will retain its name until a new one is selected.

David Dominik, managing director of Golden Gate Capital, said, "SED is well-positioned for growth as a market leader in mask metrology, optical defect review, and direct-write E-beam lithography."

Golden Gate Capital also acquired TDK Semiconductor, now Teridian Semiconductor, this year.

For more information, visit: www.goldengatecap.com