ProMOS set to ink deal to sell 12-inch fab

sources: digitimes    2/3/2010 15:05:48

DRAM maker ProMOS Technologies has recently made the decision to sell its 12-inch (300mm) wafer fab located at the Hsinchu Science Park (HSP) to mask ROM and NOR flash maker Macronix International Company (MXIC) for NT$7-9 billion (US$218-281 million), according to industry sources. The two are expected to make an announcement soon.

ProMOS spokesperson Ben Tseng declined to comment, adding that any plans regarding such matters will be disclosed at an appropriate time.

ProMOS has been seeking a buyer for its HSP facility, and has reportedly drawn interest from Macronix and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC). The sources said ProMOS originally hoped to wrap up a deal before the Lunar New Year, but plans were deferred mainly due to price disagreements.

By selling one of its 12-inch fabs, ProMOS is expected to use the new funds to help ramp up chip production based on Elpida Memory's process technology, according to the sources. ProMOS has signed a foundry agreement with Elpida, in which the Taiwan-based DRAM maker will allocate capacity at its Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) 12-inch facility for the manufacture of Elpida's DDR3 chips.