May 4 2010
Coherent, Inc. (Nasdaq: COHR), today announced the completion of its all cash acquisition of Beam Dynamics for $6.25 million excluding transaction fees.
The acquisition enhances Coherent's application knowledge and development capabilities, and also provides a pathway to expand its presence in the market for precision laser processing workstations.
Coherent has also entered into a joint development agreement with SiOnyx, Inc., for solar cell manufacturing using black silicon processing, which is based upon the interaction of ultrafast laser light and silicon in a controlled environment. Black silicon based materials and processes offer a number of potential advantages over currently deployed technologies, including cost reductions, an increase in conversion efficiencies, as well as an increase in manufacturing yields.
"We are excited that this agreement brings together SiOnyx's unique process expertise with Coherent ultrafast laser technology to increase the pace of development in this exciting area," said John Ambroseo, Coherent's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Together with our rapidly growing solar tools business, it will position both companies to capture new opportunities in the photovoltaic industry as it continues to expand towards grid parity."
Source: http://www.Coherent.com/