Herbst Kinsky Rechtsanwälte GmbH advised ams AG, a leading worldwide manufacturer of high performance sensor and analog solutions, on the acquisition of 100% stake in Cambridge CMOS Sensors Ltd, the technology leader in micro hotplate structures for gas sensing and infrared applications. The parties of the transaction have agreed to keep the consideration confidential.

ams is listed on the SIX Swiss stock exchange and has its headquarter in Premstaetten near Graz, Austria. Key research and development facilities are based in Austria and in Plano/Texas (USA), a centre of excellence in optical sensors, and in sixteen other design centres worldwide. Employing around 2,100 people in over 20 countries, ams operates direct sales offices in all major regions of the world. The group revenues in 2015 amounted to EUR 623.1 million.

Founded in 2008 as a spin-off from Cambridge University, with the start of technology development dating back to 1994 in collaboration with the University of Warwick, CCMOSS has built an outstanding expertise in micro hotplate design and manufacturing for gas and infrared sensing over more than 20 years. CCMOSS’ corporate headquarters are located in Cambridge, UK, and the company has 33 employees.

This transaction completes ams´ sensor portfolio and creates technology leadership for ams in CMOS-based gas sensing and infrared sensing for automotive, industrial, medical and consumer applications.

The in-house legal team of ams was headed by General Counsel Jan Siefken supported by Melanie Punz. The Herbst Kinsky M&A team was led by Phillip Dubsky supported by Alina Regal and Alexander Weber. Local counsel of ams AG was White&Black (John Allen), the seller was represented by Taylor Wessing, London (David Mardle).