Applied Materials acquires rival Tokyo Electron for $9.39 billion

Chip-making equipment manufacturer Applied Materials is acquiring Tokyo Electron Ltd., a rival maker of equipment for production of semiconductors, flat panel displays and solar panels.

The two companies said Tuesday their $9.39 billion all-stock transaction will result in the creation of a new company with a market capitalization of about $29 billion.

Tokyo Electron's chairman Tetsuro Higashi said the deal is meant to create a "truly global company" to meet the needs of companies supplying consumer electronics such as smartphones and tablets.

The new company will have shared leadership, with Higashi as its chairman and Applied Materials' president and CEO Gary Dickerson as its CEO.

Applied Materials' shareholders will own about 68 percent of the new company and Tokyo Electron's will hold about 32 percent. The two companies expect the deal to be finalized in the latter half of 2014.

The companies said they plan to conduct a $3 billion stock repurchase program within 12 months of the deal's completion.

Tokyo Electron's profit has stagnated in the past few years because of weaker demand from chip makers.