KLA-Tencor enters photovoltaic market with ICOS Vision Systems acquisition

February 21, 2008
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

KLA-Tencor Corporation has made a friendly acquire all shares in ICOS Vision Systems for approximately $465.8 million. ICOS’s primary business is inspection equipment for semiconductor packaging but has been successful in the more cost-conscious solar wafer inspection market at key processing steps.

In December 2007, ICOS received its largest single order to date for solar cell inspection equipment valued at €2.3 million with a Taiwanese PV cell manufacturer. ICOS stated at the time that it expected revenues within the PV market to grow rapidly in 2008 and expected revenues of between €16-20 million.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Anton De Proft, ICOS’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “I believe that combining the strengths of KLA-Tencor and ICOS would significantly increase our growth potential and provide remarkable resources for advanced technical development of our existing products and technologies. Both companies have highly complementary market positions, with no overlap in product lines.”

ICOS had revenues of €57.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Read Next

January 26, 2026
The European Council has formally adopted plans for a phased ban of Russian gas imports starting from March.
January 26, 2026
EliTe Solar has commissioned its 5GW PV manufacturing facility in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) in Egypt.
January 26, 2026
The US Department of Energy is cancelling or revising up to US$83 billion in clean energy loans as it focuses on fossil fuel and nuclear.
January 23, 2026
Suzhou Maxwell Technologies has secured a certified power conversion efficiency of 32.38% for a perovskite/silicon heterojunction (SHJ) tandem solar cell.
January 23, 2026
US renewables developer Hecate Energy has entered into a definitive business combination agreement with SPAC firm EGH Acquisition Corp (EGH).
January 23, 2026
US cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar manufacturer First Solar is facing a class action lawsuit investigation into its business practices following a downgrade in its stock.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA