Samsung announced on Tuesday that it has purchased Grandis, a maker of spin transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM). Grandis will be wrapped inside Samsung’s existing research and development branch where it will continue to work on memory semiconductor technology. According to its website, Grandis “holds a unique, broad patent portfolio in STT-RAM, including key fundamental and practical implementation patents, and licenses its IP to technology companies that design, develop and manufacture a variety of products incorporating stand-alone and embedded STT-RAM memory,” so we wouldn’t be surprised if Samsung made the purchase in an effort to boost its patent portfolio as part of ongoing legal battles with Apple. Details of the acquisition were not revealed and Samsung said the purchase is effective as of late July. Read on for the full press release.
Samsung Electronics Acquires Grandis, Inc.
SEOUL, South Korea-
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced memory technology, today announced acquisition of Grandis, Inc. (based in Silicon Valley, California), a leader in spin transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM). Grandis will be merged into those Samsung’s R&D operations that are focused on developing the next evolution of memory, where new semiconductor materials and structures are reviewed for their long-term commercial value. With its expertise in next-generation memory solutions and strong technical capabilities, Grandis will contribute to Samsung’s continued development of cutting-edge memory semiconductor technologies and become a key part of the company’s global R&D network.
Effective late July, the acquisition includes the full scope of technology, assets and human resources under Grandis, Inc. Further details of the transaction were not disclosed.
