Engineering talent is hard to come by. Ask the management at any expanding RF/microwave company where they will find their next design engineer, and the chances are that they were about to ask you the same question. For that reason, the recent announcement by wireless and wireline semiconductor supplier ANADIGICS (www.anadigics.com) of their acquisition of the RF Design Team from Fairchild Semiconductor for $2.3 million makes perfect sense. In fact, with the hiring of 23 experienced and talented RF design and engineering professionals, it might even be considered a steal for ANADIGICS. By Fairchild exiting its RF business in Tyngsboro, MA, ANADIGICS has established its own design center in the same spot. As part of the transaction, ANADIGICS will provide business and technical transitional support services to Fairchild and its customers as Fairchild exits its RF business.
Although the acquisition adds unexpected research and development expenses to ANADIGICS spreadsheets for 2007, the company's management feels that infusion of talent can't hurt the firm's opportunities for growth in 2008. Dr. Bami Bastani, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ANADIGICS notes, "Highly specialized RF talent is rare in the semiconductor industry and is a differentiating factor in our fast growing markets." Dr. Bastani adds, "The establishment of the Massachusetts design center not only fulfills our planned 2008 resource requirements, but further consolidates the industry and provides ANADIGICS with a knowledgeable and exceptionally experienced RF team, which will accelerate our new revenue growth opportunities for 3G wireless, WiFi, and WiMAX product lines."
By adding this kind of engineering talent to a company already bestowed with experienced designers, ANADIGICS has made a bold move which should add long-term benefits. Rather than acquiring a product line or two, the firm has acquired the talent to develop many new product lines for years to come.
by Jack Browne, MWRF Technical Director