(Reuters) - ASML, the world's top chip equipment maker, said Samsung Electronics would invest 779 million euros ($975 million) in its research into costly next-generation chipmaking technology and in buying a 3 percent equity stake.
ASML, based in the Netherlands, has already signed up Intel Corp and TSMC in recent weeks with similar deals to fund and fast-track its research. ASML's co-investment program is intended to tie in customers and speed up the development of new technology that will eventually lead to much cheaper gadgets, such as smartphones and tablet computers, and cement its position as the market leader ahead of Nikon.
Intel said in July it would spend more than $4 billion to buy up to 15 percent of ASML and fund its research. Within weeks, TSMC signed up as well, agreeing to invest 276 million euros in research over the next five years and to pay 838 million euros for a 5 percent equity stake... Source/Origin >> Read More
