Epistar raises funds, settles with Lumileds
Epistar Corporation, the Taiwan-based LED epiwafer and chip maker, has raised US$351 million through the issuance of Global Depositary Receipts (GDR). This transaction is the largest equity deal for any Taiwanese technology company since November 2007, and the second largest overseas fundraising from Taiwan so far this year.
“Epistar will use the proceeds to strengthen its global leading position in the LED upstream industry, and showcase our strong commitment to our customers”, says B. J. Lee, Chairman of Epistar. The company says it has established “significant market presence” in the fast-growing LED backlight and general lighting segments.
"This is truly an exciting time in the LED industry. We are eager to collaborate with our customers to capture the explosive growth of the industry," says M. J. Jou, President of Epistar. Epistar’s major customers include global leading LED packagers, eminent TFT-LCD TV and panel makers, as well as vertically integrated LED players.
Philips and Epistar reach settlement
Philips and Epistar have reached an agreement to "amicably settle" the current intellectual property disputes between the companies.
Philips has granted Epistar a license under its AlInGaP LED technologies. With the license agreement, all claims and counterclaims are dismissed.
The exact terms of the license will not be disclosed.
The case has a history stretching back several years - see for example Philips Lumileds wins LED patent ruling against Epistar (Jan 2007).
In June this year, both companies claimed success with rulings from the International Trade Commission - see press releases from Philips Lumileds and Epistar.