July 29, 2016 – ams, a manufacturer of sensor and analog solutions, has signed an agreement to divest NFC and RFID reader IP, technologies and product lines to STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) for an up-front cash consideration of USD 79.3m (approx. EUR 71.5m) plus a substantial deferred earn-out consideration contingent on future results of up to USD 37 million. ams will retain its sensor-related NFC/RFID tags business and relevant design capabilities to create wireless IoT sensor solutions and support upcoming sensor nodes.
The transaction is part of ams’ ongoing efforts to actively manage its portfolio of technologies with a clear focus on implementing its sensor solutions strategy. The divestment comprises ams’ NFC assets, including NFC front-end and antenna boost solutions, and integrated HF/UHF RFID reader assets. The related design and marketing resources are mostly based in Premstaetten, Austria, and Ljubljana, Slovenia, and include around 50 employees which will be transferred to STMicroelectronics. ams will retain its NFC/RFID wireless tags business and related IP and plans to create wireless sensor solutions for IoT applications combining NFC and RFID connectivity interfaces with its portfolio of sensors.
The transaction is expected to close today as no regulatory approvals are needed. ams expects to deconsolidate the business lines covered by the transaction from 1 August 2016 onwards.