OKI and Wipro form strategic partnership for semiconductor design services
(Business News, 26 Oct 2007 )
By Vinod Kataria
Bangalore: Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd and Wipro Technologies, the global IT services arm of Wipro Limited announced their strategic partnership in the area of design services for the semiconductor market. As part of this partnership, Wipro has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Oki Techno Centre Singapore Pte Ltd(OTCS) including its own Intellectual Property Rights in an all cash deal over a period of one year. Wipro will also establish a dedicated Development Centre for OKI.
OTCS is a wholly owned subsidiary of OKI focused on wireless design and has demonstrated capabilities in RF (Radio Frequency) and baseband design. The development center set up by Wipro will enable OKI to utilize design resource efficiently and enhance product development capabilities. This will enable OKI to expand its semiconductor business and increase its competitive edge in designing semiconductor products in the global market.
Masahiko Morioka, president of silicon solutions company at Oki Electric Industry, said, “OKI has been enhancing its design and development skills to respond to more complex and sophisticated LSIs. We have been looking for a global partner to improve our efficiency in semiconductor design through outsourcing, as we focus on improving our core designing capabilities. The capability at Wipro will enable OKI to provide high-quality technologies and products to its customers in a timely manner.”
Ramesh Emani, president, telecom and product engineering solutions division, Wipro Technologies, stated, “The wireless communication IC marketplace today is demanding integrated SoC solutions requiring expertise in digital and RF domain. The acquisition of OTCS is a significant step in our plans to strengthen the leadership in design services in the RF and baseband technology space. The acquisition also provides a solid base for addressing the large market in Japan and East Asia.”
Sudip Nandy, chief strategy officer, Wipro, noted, “Wipro sees this transaction as a strategic fitment in building niche competencies which would enhance our presence among technology companies in Japan. As part of this acquisition, we will also set up a dedicated Development Centre for OKI.”
