SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Report on Form 6-K dated December 19, 2003
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STMicroelectronics N.V.
(Name of Registrant)
39, Chemin du Champ-des-Filles
1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Yes No X
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No X
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If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with
Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- __________
Enclosure: A press release, dated December 18, 2003, announcing that
STMicroelectronics acquired Synad Technologies Ltd., a
wireless-LAN provider.
[ST Microelectronics logo]
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PRESS RELEASE
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COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE
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COMUNICATO STAMPA
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PRESSE INFORMATION
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PR No. C1396D
STMicroelectronics Announces Acquisition of
Wireless-LAN Chip Developer Synad Ltd.
ST strengthens its broadband access portfolio and adds wireless networking
capabilities to its wide range of highly integrated cost-effective application
platforms
Geneva, December 18, 2003 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) announced today the
acquisition of the wireless-LAN developer Synad Technologies Ltd. Synad is a
fast-growing UK startup that has rapidly revealed itself as one of the most
successful WLAN fabless companies and one of the few able to deliver a full
dual-band multi-standard solution. Synad has a proven multimode full CMOS
production-ready chipset and reference design, and powerful software suites for
both wireless-LAN access point and client applications.
Synad's team of more than 50 experienced and talented engineers is widely
recognized for continuously delivering innovation in all aspects of RF and
digital IC design, and system and software engineering. Actively engaged in the
IEEE 802.11 Task-Groups and WiFi Alliance, along with the main industry players,
Synad is also at the forefront of the 802.11 standards development process.
Based in Reading, UK, Synad was founded in 2000 by an initial investment from
Celtic House Venture Partners with follow-on investments from a syndicate
comprising: Alta Partners, Alta Berkeley, Celtic House, Frontiers and Rendex.
With the addition of Synad's team, products, and technology to its portfolio, ST
has strengthened its leadership in broadband access solutions and is ideally
positioned to offer WLAN-enabled solutions by leveraging its position as a
leader in numerous markets. Those segments include wireless handsets, xDSL
gateways, cable modems, set-top boxes, inkjet printers, automotive, and a
growing number of other telecoms and consumers applications requiring seamless
wireless data connectivity.
ST will immediately deliver to the computer networking market a full dual-mode
wireless-LAN solution for Network Interface Cards and Access Points, leveraging
its effectiveness in manufacturing, cost, logistics and sales. In parallel, ST
will bundle Synad's wireless-LAN solutions with its existing broadband access
products to effectively offer true multi-mode access to its customers through
the most highly integrated and cost-effective application platforms.
1
"ST's broad range of components and platforms for telecom and consumer market
applications offers an immense opportunity for the wireless-LAN technology and
expertise of Synad," said Johan Danneels, General Manager of ST's Telecom Group.
"Through the acquisition of Synad and the integration of their outstanding
engineering team, we will be able to strengthen our internal wireless-LAN
connectivity developments, in order to deliver them into many high-volume
end-products, bringing to our customers new levels of integration and reduced
costs. We have been collaborating with Synad for some time already, and we are
now delighted to welcome their team into ST."
"Synad's wireless-LAN knowhow covers every aspect of the technology, from system
definition to reference-design development and compliance certification,"
commented Mike Baker, CEO of Synad. "Our team is excited about this unique
opportunity to combine its expertise with ST's advanced production technology,
system-on-chip capability and broad range of IP, which are key to enable us to
continue offering vision and innovation in the WLAN industry. Besides that, ST's
strong relationships with major OEMs will make our technology reach volumes and
applications hardly achievable as a stand-alone company, and will lead to the
development of very competitive solutions where wireless LAN is combined with
other functions."
Synad's wireless-LAN portfolio includes the advanced "Mercury" wireless-LAN
chipset, which has the unique capability to allow a single wireless-LAN
transceiver to implement a dual-mode 2.4/5GHz access point without compromising
performance. Designed for 180nm CMOS technology, this chipset is supported by a
complete software suite and proven reference designs, allowing customers to meet
very short time-to-market windows. The Mercury chipset and reference design are
ready for production and the company already has design wins at a number of
customers. The combined ST-Synad WLAN roadmap will include 130nm design,
low-power chipset versions, and software-based implementations.
For further information www.st.com/wlan
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor
solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled
combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength,
Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the
Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products
play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares
are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan
Stock Exchange. In 2002, the Company's net revenues were $6.32 billion and net
earnings were $429.4 million. Further information on ST can be found at
www.st.com.
For further information, please contact:
Media Relations Investor Relations
Maria Grazia Prestini Benoit de Leusse Fabrizio Rossini
Director, Corporate Media Relations Director, Investor Relations Senior Manager, Investor Relations
STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics
Tel: +41.22.929.6945 Tel: +41.22.929.5812 Tel: +41.22.929.6973
Lorie Lichtlen / Nelly Dimey
Financial Dynamics
Paris Tel: +33.1.47.03.68.10
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
STMicroelectronics N.V. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
STMicroelectronics N.V.
Date: December 19, 2003 By: /s/ PASQUALE PISTORIO
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Name: Pasquale Pistorio
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer