PRESS RELEASE: Semelab joins TT electronics

On August 21, 2008 TT electronics plc, a world leader in sensor and electronic component technology, announced that it has acquired assets comprising the majority of the business of Semelab Ltd.

By combining the innovation, creativity, and technology of these two leading-edge companies, TT electronics and Semelab will be well placed to offer new and exciting solutions to customers in the automotive, defence, aerospace, telecommunications, computing and industrial electronics markets.

The Semelab group consisted of three principal operating companies:

• Semelab - Discrete semiconductor design, packaging, testing and supply in four market segments (Aerospace, Power, RF & Opto).
• Semefab - Wafer Fab, ASIC design and marketing.
• Magnatec - Specialist distribution of power and audio semiconductors.

TT electronics has acquired Semelab and Magnatec under the new collective name of Semelab Limited.
Semefab has not been acquired as part of this process and will continue to trade separately as Semefab (Scotland) Limited. Semefab will continue to supply product to Semelab pursuant to a long term supply agreement.

Commenting on the acquisition, Geraint Anderson, Chief Executive of TT electronics, said:
"We are delighted with this acquisition which represents an attractive addition to complement our existing component operations. The acquisition significantly strengthens our position in the key military and aerospace markets with major customers in the UK and Europe.
We are acquiring a profitable business which will benefit from the group's global sales network and our technical capabilities. We expect this to enhance profitable revenue growth for Semelab within TT electronics."

Andrew Deacon, Managing Director of Semelab commented:
“I am delighted that the sale is now complete. Semelab enjoys a number of leading market positions and working closely with TT electronics, the management team have developed a clear strategy for increased growth. TT electronics appetite for the deal was clear from the start and I was particularly impressed that the team pulled out all the stops towards the end of this complex transaction.”

Tim Thornton, Financial Director of Semelab said:
“Thanks to everyone involved at TT electronics and Semelab, the deal was completed quickly and tailored to suit both companies' needs. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff for their support during this important time. We are very pleased with the result and will continue to provide a quality service. We look forward to the successful future of TT electronics and Semelab Limited.”

Semelab wins UK Government funding to develop Power Module technologies for the next generation of Commercial aircraft.

Semelab has been awarded funding by the UK Department of Trade and Industry-led Technology Programme to develop electric engine start technologies, as an extension of the £34 million Integrated Wing programme, to develop high-technology aircraft wings. The programme, called AMES (Advanced More Electric Systems), will meet the needs of the next generation Airbus and Boeing single-aisle aircraft.
Goodrich, based in Pitstone, UK, will lead the UK Industry consortium to develop state of the art electric engine start technologies which will contribute to reduced engine emissions and lower aircraft operating costs. Semelab will be developing state of the art power modules exclusively for this system.

Welcoming the new partnership joining Integrated Wing, Science and Innovation Minister, Malcolm Wicks said:
"The UK has a proud history of innovation in science and technology, particularly in the aerospace sector. We believe that we must work with industry to develop the marketable products and services of tomorrow, so that we can maintain our position as a leading global economy."
"That's why we're supporting this project, which provides a great opportunity to harness the UK's world class expertise in aerospace and use it to boost our economy and our quality of life."

Semelab will work alongside Airbus UK, Goodrich, Smiths Aerospace and Norfolk Capacitors to develop the AMES technologies.

About the Technology Programme
The Technology Programme provides funding using two of the DTI's business support products: Collaborative Research & Development and Knowledge Transfer Networks. Over the period 2005-2008, £320 million in funding is being made available from DTI to businesses to support research and development in technology areas identified by the Government's Technology Strategy Board. This funding is increased by contributions from other Government Departments such as Defra (£30m), Regional Development Agencies and Devolved Administrations (£30m) and Research Councils (£26m).

The Programme is investing directly in new and emerging technologies and has been designed to help businesses work collaboratively with each other or with academic partners to develop technologies that will underpin products and services of the future.
In November 2006, DTI announced that, building on its success to date, the Technology Strategy Board would in 2007 become an Executive Non Departmental Public Body taking over responsibility for the delivery of the Technology Programme.

Since 2004, the Technology Programme has supported over 600 projects across 40 technology areas with a combined business and Government investment worth over £900m. 22 Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) have also been established with funding of around £40m over 3 years. For further information: http://www.dti.gov.uk/innovation/technologystrategy.

Semelab Achieves BS8555 Phase 3
Semelab has gained a key environmental certification in recognition of its improved environmental performance.
This reinforces Semelab's continuing committment to the issues of:
• Resource efficiency
• The management and minimisation of waste
• Improved awareness and understanding of environmental issues amongst its employees

• BS8555 Phase 3 Certification
• Semelab's Mission & Environmental Statement

SiC Diode Arrays
- 600 & 1200V 5A die
- Very low VF
- Eliminates reverse recovery
- Greatly improved efficiency
- TJ potentially up to 400°C
- Positive Temperature Coefficient...Read more

NEW RF Packages
Semelab’s NEW packaging technology offers world-beating performance... Read more

Opto Hybrid Detectors
The SMPX series is a range of hybrid opto-electronic components incorporating a PIN photodiode, operational amplifier and transimpedance circuitry. The photodiode is operated at zero bias for best linearity and lowest dark current.... Read more