Mycronic Expands into Semiconductors with French MRAM Acquisition

Swedish production equipment maker Mycronic has recently acquired MRAM test system developer Hprobe in France, signaling a strategic move into the semiconductor market. Based in Grenoble, Hprobe specializes in developing turnkey semiconductor Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) for magnetic devices. This acquisition by Mycronic, known for its production of PCB, die bonding, and photonic wire bonding equipment, is expected to provide Hprobe with access to a global infrastructure, facilitating expansion across key regions such as Asia, North America, and Europe. Moreover, the collaboration aims to accelerate technology and product roadmaps at Hprobe to meet the increasing demand for wafer testing of advanced MRAM and next-generation TMR sensors.

The business, which currently boasts a staff of 14 and achieved sales of €4m in 2024, will now operate as a new business line within Mycronic’s Global Technologies division. While the specific terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition signifies a significant step for both companies in enhancing their market presence and technological capabilities.

According to Magnus Marthinsson, Senior VP of Global Technologies at Mycronic, “Mycronic has identified wafer and semiconductor tests as an attractive expansion area. Hprobe fits very well into this space with its unique technology, where a strong magnetic field is generated quickly over a large area. Hprobe has the potential of turning into a critical supplier for the MRAM test market. AI, VR, AR, and the automotive industry all constitute emerging growth opportunities for Hprobe, and through their solutions, Mycronic can participate in this exciting development.”

Testing MRAM has become a crucial requirement for chipmakers seeking non-volatile memory solutions below 22nm, especially in cases where flash memory may not be reliable. The acquisition by Mycronic represents a significant milestone for Hprobe, as stated by Laurent Lebrun, CEO of Hprobe. Lebrun expressed, “Joining Mycronic marks a significant milestone for Hprobe. This acquisition will enable us to scale operations, accelerate innovation, and better serve our customers worldwide. With Mycronic’s global reach and resources, we are well-positioned to drive the future of magnetic device testing. Together, we will advance MRAM and sensor testing to support industry growth.”

As a spin-off company of Spintec, a renowned spintronics research laboratory, Hprobe is dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and marketing equipment for wafer-level testing of magnetic devices in the semiconductor industry. The collaboration with Mycronic is expected to bring forth new opportunities for innovation and growth in the field of semiconductor testing, positioning both companies as key players in the evolving landscape of advanced technology.