Friday, July 18, 2008

Aquest Eyes Asyst Technologies

Sunnyvale-based Aquest Systems said Thursday that it has offered to buy Asyst Technologies for $6.50 per share in cash, or approximatley $326M, in a joint effort with private equity firm The Gores Group, LLC. According to Aquest, it is looking to buy Asyst Technologies, a maker of chip manufacturing equipment, using funding from Aquest's venture backers and Gores Group. Aquest is currently backed by Menlo Ventures, Walden International, and Global Catalyst Partners. Aquest is a developer of automation technology for the semiconductor industry.