New York-based PE firm ZMC acquires a controlling stake in Pure Wafer, a semiconductor silicon solutions and services company in the US.
Pure Wafer will use the investment to enhance its six silicon services and solutions businesses: silicon wafer reclaims, thin films, parts cleaning, wafer brokerage, wafer management, and specialty foundry services. This acquisition will allow it to expand its capacity across its US wafer operations, including advanced technology and tooling to meet the growing demand of top semiconductor OEMs and the semiconductor integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) they serve.
With the rising demand for semiconductors, the SEMI trade association expects 109 new wafer fabs to be commissioned by 2026 to support this growth with many being set up in the US. Additional semiconductor wafer fabs will be required by the end of the decade to meet the heightened demand for AI chips in the US.
“A shared vision and an understanding of the commitment needed to drive a winning growth plan underpins this inspiring new partnership,” commented S. Mark Borowicz, CEO, of Pure Wafer. “ZMC’s investment in advanced technology, operational capabilities, and equipment to drive growth will help us extend our industry leadership and enhance our unique silicon solutions offerings to more quickly meet the demand from new and existing semiconductor customers.”
“Worldwide semiconductor demand is surging, and we are excited to support Pure Wafer’s expansion plan to meet this moment,” said Andrew Vogel, co-chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at ZMC. “The investment in Pure Wafer emanates from ZMC’s thematic focus on the explosion of data stemming from technological innovation. We are impressed with what the team at Pure Wafer has built, its continued focus on technological innovation, and strong industry leadership. We are excited to partner with them in this next growth phase.”
TD Cowen served as Pure Wafer’s exclusive financial advisor, with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP providing legal counsel. Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to ZMC.
