Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., the world’s number one supplier of passive electronic components, and Renesas Electronics Corporation a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced that they signed a basic agreement to transfer Renesas Electronics’ high-power amplifier (HPA) business and its manufacturing site, the Nagano Device Division (Komoro, Nagano) of Renesas Eastern Japan Semiconductor, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Renesas Electronics, to Murata Manufacturing. Based on the basic agreement signed today, the companies plan to conclude a definitive agreement of this business transfer, which is scheduled to be completed by January 1, 2012.
With the growing demand for smartphones, and the expansion of the low-end models in developing countries, the market of mobile phones, which is the major user of power amplifiers, is experiencing a growing trend toward using module and platform solutions that integrate basic communication functions in a single device. In particular, demand is growing for modules that incorporate HPAs with radio frequency (RF) components, such as filters and switches.
In light of these changing business environments, while maintaining the world-leading market share of front-end modules (FEMs), Murata Manufacturing has been examining measures to strengthen its power amplifier technology in order to promote the integration of front-end modules including power amplifiers and to expand its business. Renesas Electronics has been supplying power amplifier modules to the mobile handset makers without RF filters and switches. To further strengthen its business structure, the company has been studying ways to respond to the demand for a one-stop module that incorporates an FEM.
Murata Manufacturing and Renesas Electronics have been discussing the possibility of collaborating on a complementary supply of parts for communication devices. However, to respond to the changing business circumstances rapidly, the companies agreed and today signed a basic agreement in which Murata Manufacturing will acquire Renesas Electronics’ power amplifier business and its manufacturing site, the Nagano Device Division of Renesas Eastern Japan Semiconductor.
Details of the business transfer are under discussion and Murata Manufacturing and Renesas Electronics intend to disclose updates when confirmed information is available.
Murata in Brief
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of ceramic-based passive electronic components & solutions, communication modules and power supply modules. Murata is committed to the development of advanced electronic materials and leading edge, multi-functional, high-density modules. The company has employees and manufacturing facilities throughout the world.
For more information, visit Murata's website