News

Presto Buys DELTA to Provide IoT and Automotive Semiconductor Solutions

February 08, 2020 by Paul Shepard

Presto Engineering, an outsourced operations provider to semiconductor and Internet of Things (IoT) device manufacturers, has acquired the DELTA Microelectronics business unit of FORCE Technology, the European leader in ASIC supply chain services. With this acquisition, Presto adds ASIC design to its suite of services for the Industry 4.0, IoT, and autonomous driving market.

FORCE Technology has become a shareholder of Presto Engineering and Juan Farré, FORCE’s CTO, has joined the company’s Supervisory Board.

“Europe is an epicenter for the development of smart manufacturing technology – Industry 4.0, IoT and the next generations of cars. This acquisition allows us to expand our business and provide industrial and semiconductor companies with a consolidated European partner that offers ASIC design, test, qualification and manufacturing expertise,” said Michel Villemain, CEO, Presto Engineering.

“Presto will leverage advanced European technology locally for all engineering and pre-production activities, resulting in higher quality and faster time-to-market for our customers. Our established, high-volume production framework provides a very cost-effective, long-term roadmap for the European microelectronics industry,” concluded Villemain.

“Joining forces with Presto brings our customers the best of both worlds,” said Juan Farré, CTO, FORCE Technology. “DELTA Microelectronics’ team will continue to provide the top-quality semiconductor services – from ASIC design to complete turnkey ASIC manufacturing operations – that our customers are accustomed to, and they will also benefit from a more flexible and comprehensive model focused exclusively on semiconductor applications.”

The company retains the DELTA Microelectronics brand (“by Presto Engineering”) and will continue to operate the business from its Hørsholm, Denmark, and Hengoed, U.K., locations (with its existing teams), continuing to leverage its long and successful track record. Per Ølund, DELTA Microelectronics’ general manager, will serve as executive vice president, ASIC, Presto Engineering.

The addition of DELTA Microelectronics provides customers with a flexible model starting from either design (specifically for sensors, optics, NFC and payment systems), tapeout or post-silicon. Projects will benefit from the predictability and dedication of in-house, state-of-the-art capabilities locally in Europe.

This establishes Presto as a European leader in outsourced microelectronics solutions with the size required to enable new smart manufacturing, automotive, communication and other advanced industrial applications.