Merck, a leading science and technology company, intensifies the strategic focus of its Electronics business on solutions for the semiconductor industry. This is ensured by the strategic convergence of the display and semiconductor business units, as well as by the expansion of the portfolio through the now completed acquisition of Unity-SC for €155 million plus additional milestone-based payments.

“As the industry moves towards more complex and integrated systems, the need for comprehensive solutions and precise metrology and inspection tools has become increasingly important. With our Optronics business and the acquisition of Unity-SC, we have significantly expanded our portfolio to include metrology solutions for semiconductor and opto-electronic manufacturing. This convergence signals an extension of Merck’s relevance in the electronics ecosystem; where materials science, delivery, metrology and inspection, work hand-in-hand to enable better, faster, more efficient and more reliable production of next-generation chips and devices,” said Kai Beckmann, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Electronics.

The acquisition of Unity-SC marks a significant step in enhancing and complementing Merck’s optical expertise. The Display Solutions business unit will operate under the name “Optronics” as of 2025 to signify the business unit’s expanded focus on harnessing the transformative power of light to reshape electronic devices and systems.

Optronics marks the evolution from a display-focused business to cutting-edge optical technologies for electronics. Having developed deep expertise in optical physics and materials through the work with LCD and OLED displays, the Electronics business of Merck is now driving the convergence of optics and semiconductors to meet the demands of next-generation technologies.

The closing of the transaction of Unity-SC followed regulatory clearance and the fulfilment of other customary closing conditions. Unity-SC is based in Montbonnot-Saint-Martin near Grenoble, France, and employs approximately 160 people, of whom 70 work in research & development.