IMI takes majority interest in Germany’s VIA Optronics

MANILA, Philippines - Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc., the electronics subsidiary of the Ayala Group, is acquiring a 76 percent stake in VIA Optronics GmbH of Germany, an optical bonding and display solutions provider, for 47.4 million Euros.

Alpina Partners, which has been VIA’s shareholder in the company since June 2010, is selling all of its 55 percent shareholding as part of the transaction.

VIA founder Jurghen Eichner will retain a 24 percent ownership and will continue to lead VIA as managing director.

Optical bonding is a technology that enhances the visibility and performance of display systems especially for outdoor use. Furthermore, the technology also enhances the quality, throughput and efficiency of the display system integration process.

IMI CEO Arthur Tan said the transaction represents a unique opportunity to accelerate IMI’s growth and broaden VIA’s opportunities.

“Together, IMI and VIA will be best positioned to revolutionize the way the world experiences vision and touch on displays. We believe the acquisition will allow IMI to strengthen its partnerships with customers by offering complementary automotive camera and display monitor solutions for advanced driver assistance systems. We look forward to further developing and utilizing synergies between the two companies,” Tan said.

“Once combined, we will have the scale to introduce our patented technology into automotive camera monitor systems for increased safety and effectivity. IMI has a great cultural fit with our organisation and I am excited for our employees to benefit from the long-term prospects of being part of IMI,” Eichner added.