Proposed Acquisition by Micron Technology, Inc. of Elpida Memory, Inc.

Notifying Parties:

Micron Technology, Inc and Elpida Memory, Inc

Notifying Date:

30 November 2012

Summary of Transaction:

PART 5
INFORMATION FOR THE CCS PUBLIC REGISTER
(TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT(S))

 (i)           the names of the merger parties;

-   Micron Technology, Inc. (“Micron”) and

-   Elpida Memory, Inc. (“Elpida”)

 (ii)           a description of the transaction;

This notification is made by Micron in relation to its acquisition of 100 percent of the ordinary shares in the capital of Elpida.

(iii)          a description of the business activities of the merger parties worldwide and in Singapore;

Micron is a global manufacturer and marketer of semiconductor devices, principally DRAM, NAND Flash and NOR Flash memory, as well as other innovative memory technologies, packaging solutions and semiconductor systems for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, automotive, industrial and mobile products. In addition, Micron manufactures semiconductor components for Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor image sensors and other semiconductor products.  Micron markets its products through its internal sales force, independent sales representatives and distributors primarily to Original Equipment Manufacturers and retailers located around the world.

Elpida is a manufacturer of DRAM integrated circuits. Elpida's portfolio features products with characteristics such as high-density, high-speed, low power and small packaging profiles. Elpida provides DRAM solutions across a wide range of applications, including personal computers, servers, mobile devices and digital consumer electronics.

(iv)          a description of the overlapping goods or services, including brand names;

The relevant product market affected by the notified Acquisition is the market for the manufacture and supply of DRAM integrated circuits.

 (v)           the applicant’s views on:

a.             definition of the relevant market(s);

b.            the way in which competition functions in this market;

c.             barriers to entry and countervailing buyer power; and

d.            the competitive effects of the merger (non-coordinated, coordinated and/or vertical effects, as relevant).

The Acquisition will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in the market for the manufacture and supply of DRAM integrated circuits worldwide in view of factors, including the following:

(a)          the fact that market players, including the merged entity, have  fragmented market shares;

(b)          competition for DRAM integrated circuits is intense and the Parties face intense competition from competitors which are large corporations or conglomerates with greater resources;

(c)          prices for DRAMs fluctuate in view of customers' strong purchasing power, multi-sourcing, and finally by the fierce competition between DRAM manufacturers; and

Decision:

The proposed merger, if carried into effect, will not infringe the section 54 prohibition.

Decision Date:

30 January 2013
Click here for the decision.