Samsung to invest 779 mn euros

South Korean electronics group Samsung is to invest 779 million euros ($975 dollars) in the Dutch microchip maker ASML, with about one-third earmarked for research and development, it said Monday. An ASML statement said that "Samsung Electronics has joined its Customer Co-Investment Program for Innovation and has committed to contribute 276 million euros to ASML's research and development of next generation lithography technologies over five years." An additional 503 million euros will buy three percent of the equity in ASML under the same conditions as other programme participants, it added. They include Intel Corporation of the United States, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Between the three groups, Samsung, Intel and TSMC are to own 23 percent of the shares in ASML, and allow the Dutch group to reach its target of raising 1.38 billion euros for R&D. Intel paid three billion euros for a 15-percent stake, while TSMC bought five percent of the Dutch company for 1.1 billion euros. ASML is considered a bellwether for the micro-processor industry, as it produces machines used to make integrated circuits and computer microchips. It employs almost 8,000 people and is present in 16 countries.