Viasystems and Merix Agree to Merge

Viasystems Group Inc and Merix Corporation announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge their businesses. According to the companies, the merger, when completed, will result in the largest publicly traded printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer by revenue in the United States. Viasystems and Merix have complementary core competencies that will enable the combined organization to provide customers with a complete spectrum of services and technology for both quick-turn prototyping and high volume PCB manufacturing in Asia and North America.

Following the merger transaction, the combined company will have approximately 13,000 employees and manufacturing capacity exceeding 4.3 million square feet in China and 375,000 square feet in North America.

"Through this merger, we’re creating a world-class leader in PCB and related electro-mechanical solutions with complementary market segments, customers and manufacturing capabilities,” said Viasystems Chief Executive Officer David Sindelar. "The net result will be best-in-class PCB manufacturing on a global basis, combining Viasystems’ high volume and quick-turn capabilities in China with Merix’ quick turn and prototyping capabilities in the US. These assets along with Merix’ Asia factories will substantially increase our business scale and expand our customer base.”

"We believe this is an excellent strategic fit and offers stakeholders tremendous value,” said Merix Chief Executive Officer, Michael Burger. "Viasystems is an ideal partner that accelerates and adds scale to the value proposition that Merix has been building for several years. This compelling opportunity for value creation makes the combination very attractive to our customers, employees and stakeholders.”

"These are two successful, innovative organizations with one mission: To meet the rapidly changing needs of our customers,” added Sindelar. "By leveraging the diversified operations and employee skill sets of both organizations, this combined company is well positioned in a recovering industry. We’re confident in our plan to integrate our businesses and create tremendous value, providing opportunities for employees, customers and shareholders.”

www.viasystems.com
www.merix.com