Moser Baer acquires Philips' optical technology and R&D subsidiary OM&T BV

06 February 2007

Mumbai: Moser Baer and global giant Philips today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Moser Baer will acquire OM&T BV, a highly specialised technology company for optical R&D, which currently is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Philips

According to Ratul Puri, executive director, Moser Baer India, "This acquisition is a major strategic milestone for Moser Baer as we implement our strategy to be at the forefront of technology in both the optical and solar photovoltaic (PV) segments."

This acquisition will complement the existing cutting edge technology research being done in Moser Baer's R&D center in India and help the global number two player in the optical media market to further consolidate its leadership position. According to the agreement, all IP created by OM&T will be transferred to Moser Baer. The joint venture will also focus on development of photovoltaic technologies to support Moser Baer's PV business.

According to Dr Nic Kramer, senior vice president, corporate investments, Philips International BV, "This is synergistic move, and I am sure that Moser Baer's high technology manufacturing competencies along with OM&T's R&D capabilities will ensure that we see innovative products in the immediate future."

While OM&T has been instrumental for developing new optical media solutions and technologies creating new markets via global standardization, its pioneering work in Blu-ray and its status of being the only company outside Japan which is shipping Blu-ray discs will jumpstart Moser Baer's objective of being amongst the first few global manufacturers of the Blu-ray disc.

Moser Baer's proprietary patented L2H (low to high) technology, along with OM&T competencies in the H2L (high to low) technology will ensure that Moser Baer leads in Blu-ray disc technology and manufacture. Having already established a first mover advantage in HD DVD-R format, the company will now extend its technology leadership position in the Blu-ray media as well as other new formats like Holographic Storage.