Date: 16/08/2011

Toshiba setup semiconductor design house JV in Brazil with Semp Toshiba

Toshiba Corporation has established a semiconductor design house, STI Semiconductor Design Brasil Ltda., at São Paulo, Brazil as a joint venture (JV) with Semp Toshiba Informática Ltda. (STIL), a Brazilian Toshiba affiliate.

The JV is based on the memorandum of understanding signed on December 3 last year, under the framework for reinforcing cooperation in economic and industrial development between the Brazilian and Japanese governments, including the cultivation of a Brazilian semiconductor industry.

Further background to this is in April 2006, the Japanese and Brazilian governments signed a memorandum of understanding on the introduction of an ISDB-T-based digital television system in Brazil, and the enhancement of the Brazilian electric and electronics industry in relation to the television system. Establishment of the semiconductor design house in Brazil is part of this initiative, says Toshiba.

Mr. Afonso Antonio Hennel, the president of STIL, will serve as the president of STI Semiconductor Design Brasil Ltda., which will be capitalized at US$4 million and 70% owned by STIL and 30% by Toshiba. The new company will initially design radio frequency ICs, widely used devices that are expected to see demand growth in Brazil.