Let us trust Europe to find the most appropriate answers

What is the global environment in semiconductors in mid-year? In the first four months of the year, the European semiconductor market fell by 2.6% compared to 2019, while over the same period the world market grew by 6.4% (WSTS). The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. is preparing a $37 billion stimulus package for their semiconductor industry. The news is driven by Analog Devices – valued at $46 billion – which could buy rival Maxim Integrated – recently valued at about $17 billion – for about $20 billion. A strong analog semiconductor leader would emerge. Asia is also consolidating the sector. Indeed, China’s SmartSens Technology has announced the completion of the acquisition of its compatriot Allchip Microelectronics, specialist in CMOS image sensors for automotive applications. Setting the tone for next big maneuvers. In Europe, Austrian sensor firm AMS has completed its acquisition of Osram and Germany – the economic and political engine of our Europe – is our best asset in taking the presidency of the European Union now in order to come up with an effective recovery plan expected by all European semiconductor partners. Angela Merkel, who is embarking on one of the last European projects of her career, mentioned this in her speech to deputies recently. Let us trust Europe to find the most appropriate answers, without holding back the respective initiatives. Stay safe, hope you find some insights by reading some selected articles (masterful article about DRAM from imec is awesome) and have a good summer.