ABB is acquiring a Czech power semiconductor firm, Polovodi?e for an undisclosed sum to boost its power semiconductor production, due to the short supply and strong demand for power switching devices used in inverters. ABB is already spending US$150 million over three years to expand its semiconductor plant in Lenzburg, Switzerland. Polovodi?e has been making power semiconductors since the mid-1950s and had revenues in the low double-digit millions of US dollars, according to ABB.
“Power semiconductors are central to the development of smarter electricity networks in which greater use of renewable energy is combined with better control of power flows for more reliability and efficiency,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “The business of Polovodi?e a.s.will strengthen our market position as one of the leading producers of power semiconductors.”
The parties agreed not to disclose the value of the transaction, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
