Full focus on Space: ZEISS SMT acquires RUAG International’s Lithography business

RUAG International has been delivering high-precision products for lithography applications since 2001. In October 2022, lithography was established as a separate division to strengthen its market position. It produces specialized actuators and mechanical assemblies for ZEISS SMT (Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, SMT). ZEISS SMT's optical systems, employed worldwide in microchip manufacturing machines, support numerous high-tech applications, including smartphones and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the division produces special stabilizers and apertures, initially developed for space technology, now used in manufacturing lithography optics, laser optics, and other optical systems.

RUAG International and ZEISS SMT have signed a contract for the acquisition of the Lithography Division, including all employees and assets associated with the two production sites in Zurich (Switzerland) and Coswig (Germany). "We have built up our competencies for lithography applications since 2001 and successfully partnered with our key customer ZEISS SMT. Establishing the Lithography division as a separate entity in October 2022 was a strategic move to reinforce our market position while continuing to produce specialized components for ZEISS SMT as an independent single-source supplier. Today, I am immensely proud of our Lithography team's achievements," says André Wall, CEO of RUAG International and concludes, "ZEISS SMT has an excellent market position. With the new ownership, we provide our Lithography division with an ideal environment for further development of the great competencies we have built over the years." 

Christoph Hensche, Chief Operating Officer and Digital Transformation Officer of ZEISS SMT, says: “RUAG International’s Lithography division has been an excellent and steadfast partner over the last two decades in our supply chain. The semiconductor market offers a lot of opportunities for a prosperous future. ZEISS SMT continues its growth path which will be supported by this acquisition. We are looking forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the ZEISS family.”

Dr. Oliver Kunz, Executive Vice President of Beyond Gravity's Lithography Division, commented: "We have been working with ZEISS SMT for over two decades and know them very well. The ZEISS heart is made up of sensitive lenses and mirrors, and our actuators work like pacemakers that ensure the heart beats accurately. The pacemaker and the heart need to be closely aligned and synchronized. This acquisition is a perfect fit, and I am very excited about our future within ZEISS."

The acquisition is still subject to approval by the competition authorities. The transfer of ownership (contractual closing) is expected until year-end. As is customary for such transactions, the parties agreed to full confidentiality on the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Contact RUAG International: Philipp Bircher, VP Communications & Branding, philipp.bircher@beyondgravity.com, +41 79 790 11 81

Contact ZEISS SMT: Jeannine Rapp, Head of Communication and Implementation of Group Initiatives (SMT-C), jeannine.rapp@zeiss.com, +49 7364 20 75435