To expand its portfolio of RF, analog and mixed-signal devices and become a more diverse semiconductor supplier, Irvine, Calif.-based Microsemi Corp. has inked a defintive agreement to acquire Advanced Power Technology, Inc., a supplier of RF, microwave and switching power devices. With this acquisition, Microsemi also enhances its high reliability offering in the defense/aerospace and medical arena.

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"APT is a recognized leader in its RF product offering for high-frequency products for the analog market as well as being a technology leader with its high power switching products," said James J. Peterson, Microsemi's president and CEO. "Following several years of consolidation efforts, Microsemi is excited to move forward in this next stage of our life cycle. APT is the first step toward a focus on growing organically and through acquisition. We believe that there are significant efficiency gains to be realized on the operational level as well as the business opportunity level."

The transaction combines two strong high-performance analog companies offering both differentiated RF products into niche end markets as well as high-reliability products addressing strong defense/aerospace and medical markets. With APT's strong focus on the high-power, high-speed segment of the power semiconductor market, APT's broad range of RF and power semiconductor switches expand Microsemi's product offering within its existing channels, said Microsemi. Additionally, APT has an advanced development effort in silicon carbide (SiC) that offers significant advantages in future systems ranging from military to notebook applications, added Microsemi.

"We are very pleased to join Microsemi's team," said Patrick Sireta, chairman and CEO of APT. "This business combination will result in a very powerful value proposition to customers, investors and employees."

The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the definitive agreement. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and an APT shareholder vote, and is expected to close at the beginning of the second quarter of Microsemi's fiscal 2006.