Maxim acquires SensorDynamics for $130million

Maxim is paying approximately $130million plus the assumption of approximately $34m in debt to acquire the Austrian company. The Austrian company holds numerous original patents for mems sensor technology and has invested heavily in research into high growth fields of mems sensors and associated low power interface / wireless connectivity solutions. Consequently, this acquisition enables Maxim to accelerate expansion in markets where it already has a strong presence including automotive and high end consumer. By combining the SensorDynamics' technology with Maxim's manufacturing, distribution and sales infrastructure, both companies claim they will become a 'leading competitor' in the inertial sensor, wireless connectivity and sensor interface markets. According to IHS iSuppli, the total market for mems based sensors is expected to be $7.7billion in 2011, of which SensorDynamics' gyroscope inertial sensor technology addresses about $900m.