ams sells NFC, RFID technologies to ST

Sensor specialist ams is selling its NFC and RFID reader IP, technologies and product lines to STMicroelectronics for $79.3million. The deal is also said to include a ‘substantial deferred earn out consideration’. Depending on future results, this could be worth another $37m. However, ams will retain its sensor related NFC/RFID tags business and relevant design capabilities as it looks to develop wireless IoT sensor solutions and support upcoming sensor nodes.

Alexander Everke, ams’ CEO, pictured, said: “Divesting certain RFID/NFC product lines streamlines our product and technology portfolio around our core sensor solutions competence while maximising the value of our high performance wireless IP. This transaction is a next strategic step on our way to make ams the world’s leading provider of sensor solutions for all major end markets.”

Included in the deal are NFC front end and antenna boost solutions, as well as integrated HF/UHF RFID reader assets. Around 50 employees will transfer to ST.