The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →MEMC announced in May 2010 that it would acquire Solaicx for a deal valued at at least $76 million: $66 million in cash plus about $10 million associated with recent investments by Solaicx securityholders. The agreement also provided for up to $27.6 million in additional earnout consideration tied to performance targets. MEMC completed the acquisition on July 1, 2010.
Why the deal was described as a $76 million acquisition
The $76 million figure was the announced minimum headline value, not simply the cash handed over at closing. MEMC’s May 24, 2010 announcement described $66 million in cash consideration and approximately $10 million connected to recent investments by existing Solaicx securityholders. MEMC’s announcement gives the transaction terms; EE Times reported the deal as worth at least $76 million.
| Figure | What it represents |
|---|---|
| $66 million | Cash MEMC said it would pay Solaicx securityholders at closing, as announced in 2010. |
| Approximately $10 million | Additional amount associated with recent investments by existing Solaicx securityholders, as described in MEMC’s announcement. |
| Up to $27.6 million | Possible additional earnout consideration tied to performance targets for 2010–2011; it was contingent, not a guaranteed payment. |
What the later $101.7 million purchase price means
In 2011, MEMC reported a GAAP purchase price of $101.7 million, comprising $75.7 million in cash and $26.0 million in estimated contingent consideration. That accounting figure is not a contradiction of the initial announcement: it includes estimated contingent consideration and reflects later purchase-price accounting, while the $76 million headline described the announced minimum deal value. MEMC’s 2011 filing reports the accounting calculation.
What MEMC acquired
Solaicx developed proprietary continuous crystal growth technology for producing low-cost, high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon wafers. Solar-cell manufacturers use such wafers as an input to photovoltaic cells. The acquisition therefore added a wafer-production process and related equipment, rather than a consumer solar-panel brand.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Wafer Pattern May Vary from the Product Images. Great to be used as gift, display object, exhibition, educating demonstration, testing, decoration or your collection
- Beautiful microchip pattern structure made by the advanced copper technology
- 90~130nm minimum microchip feature Copper Characterization with TEOS or Black Diamond Low-k ILD on the single crystal silicon wafer
- The original value of un-polished wafer is above $500
- No guarantee for research and other applications
At the time of the announcement, Solaicx had approximately 80 employees, a large-scale production facility in Portland, Oregon, and headquarters in Santa Clara, California. MEMC presented the combination as a way to pair Solaicx’s process and equipment with MEMC’s scale, broaden its solar-market reach, reduce costs and improve efficiency, with the broader aim of helping solar power move toward grid parity.
When the acquisition closed
MEMC completed the purchase on July 1, 2010, and Solaicx became a wholly owned subsidiary. MEMC’s closing announcement was issued July 2. The closing Form 8-K documents completion.
Rank #2
- Wafer Pattern May Vary from the Product Images. Great to be used as gift, display object, exhibition, educating demonstration, testing, decoration or your collection
- Beautiful microchip pattern structure made by the advanced copper technology
- 90~130nm minimum microchip feature Copper Characterization with TEOS or Black Diamond Low-k ILD on the single crystal silicon wafer
- The original value of un-polished wafer is above $500
- No guarantee for research and other applications
What MEMC said it expected from the combination
MEMC described the transaction as a strategic expansion of its solar business through Solaicx’s proprietary process and equipment. At announcement, MEMC executive Ken Hannah forecast that the monocrystalline-silicon market would grow at about 50% annually over the following three years. That was a contemporaneous management forecast, not evidence that the market later achieved that growth rate.
Solaicx CEO David Ranhoff said the technology combined with MEMC’s footprint and scale could help customers reduce the cost of solar electricity. These statements explain the rationale MEMC gave for the acquisition; they should not be read as independently verified results of the deal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Genuine Silicon Wafer: crafted from high-purity silicon, this 12 inch silicon wafer features a precision double-side polished surface, delivering exceptional smoothness and mirror-like reflectivity on both sides, fitting well with tech decor needs; Please note: wafer pattern may vary from the product images
- Genuine Uncut Ic Silicon Wafer: this is a genuine uncut IC silicon wafer, not a replica or model; It preserves the original circular wafer form applied in semiconductor manufacturing, allowing you to experience real chip substrate material up close
- 12 Inch Large Size Versatile Display: with a full 12 inch diameter, this wafer provides a striking visual presence compared to smaller 6 or 8 inch wafers; Its larger size enhances the natural light interference patterns, creating subtle rainbow reflections under different lighting, ideal for desk display, office decor, exhibitions, or as a centerpiece for tech-inspired spaces; Silicon crystals are very fragile, please handle them as gently as possible
- Practical Stem Education Tool: a valuable teaching tool for STEM education, this semiconductor substrate helps illustrate how integrated circuits are manufactured; Great for classrooms, labs, or personal learning, it allows students to better understand wafer structure, fabrication processes, and the foundation of modern electronics in a tangible way
- Tech-inspired Gift: combining science and art, this silicon wafer makes a unique gift for engineers, programmers, students, and tech lovers, suitable for various gifting occasions without being overly decorative
Rank #4
- Method: CZ ; Size: 4inch ;
- Type: P-Type ; Dopant: B ; Orientation: 100 ;
- Resistivity:1-10Ω ; Thickness: 525um±25 ;
- Front Side: Polished ; Back Side: Etched ; TTV＜10um；
- [Nanosource] High Quality Silicon Wafer. Customized Products Available.
Rank #3
- 5 x 5 inches, 0.67 ounces, 0.03 inches thick. Some wafers are marked with alignment marks.
- The pattern is produced by light diffraction, and its reflective appearance changes with the viewing angle.
- Silicon wafers are fragile—please handle with care.
- Circuit details can be examined under a microscope.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
