STATS boosts stake in Taiwan's Winstek

In 2001, chip-packaging specialist STATS of Singapore took a 51 percent stake in Winstek, a provider of IC-testing services. Through a subscription of additional shares, which would amount to approximately $12 million, STATS will increase its shareholding in Winstek to 55 percent. Completion of the transactions for the investment is scheduled for end of 2003.

In June, rival Taiwanese chip-packaging provider Orient Semiconductor Electronics Ltd. (OSE) formed a partnership with Winstek. The partnership provides OSE with chip-testing capacity and services. As part of this partnership, OSE and Winstek have agreed to jointly run their materials and information management, process integration, and logistics services to shorten cycle times ( see June 11 story ).