AMI Semiconductor Begins its IPO Quest

AMIS Holdings, Inc., parent company of AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) Friday said the company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeking initial public offering of its common stock.

The Pocatello, Idaho-based concern specializes in making custom integrated mixed signal semiconductor products. AMIS focuses on the automotive, medical and industrial markets, which have many products with significant real world, or analog, interface requirements.

Founded in Santa Clara, Calif. in 1966, the company pioneered MOS ASICs and is a current member of both the HyperTransport and ZigBee (802.15.4) working groups. AMIS employs over 2,400 people worldwide. Approximately 1,100 work at the company’s headquarters, manufacturing and engineering facilities located in Pocatello, Idaho. Another 400 people are employed at the AMIS sort and test facility in Manila, Philippines with design, sales and technical support centers located throughout the world.

In 2002, AMIS Acquired Alcatel Microelectronics’ mixed-signal business as well as micro power products from Microsemi.

According to previous public statements, the company’s second quarter 2003 revenue was $108.4 million compared with first quarter 2003 revenue of $102.8 million. Net loss for the second quarter of 2003 was $7.3 million, compared to net income of $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2003.

The company also said it generated EBITDA of $26.1 million for the second quarter of 2003, compared to $22.0 million for the first quarter of 2003. Additionally, the company’s cash balance increased from $62.2 million at December 31, 2002, to $89.1 million at June 28, 2003.

“Compared to the first quarter of 2003, revenue has increased, gross margin is up and we continue to see key design wins for our integrated mixed-signal products with emphasis in the automotive, medical and industrial markets,” AMIS president and CEO Christine King said in an August 4 statement. “We continue to focus our energies on a unique set of core competencies to create integrated mixed-signal designs that allow our end customers to differentiate themselves in their markets.”

Recently, AMIS completed transfer of its test operations from a Belgium facility to its Philippines location.

The company lists Citigroup Venture Capital, Francisco Partners and Japan Energy Corp. as its equity partners. Credit Suisse First Boston, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Lehman Brothers will be the managing underwriters for the proposed offering.