BE Semiconductor Shares Hit All-Time High on Takeover Interest Report

By Ian Walker

BE Semiconductor Industries shares hit an all-time high on a report that the company had received takeover interest.

Shares were up 17.45 euros, or 10%, at 192.70 euros in early morning European trading, leading the tech-heavy AEX index and having peaked at 200.50 euros when markets opened. They are currently up 44% over the year to date.

Reuters reported that the Dutch chip-packaging company had received takeover approaches from Lam Research and Applied Materials and was working with investment bank Morgan Stanley to evaluate them.

Noting the report, the company, known as BESI, said it doesn't comment on market rumours and that it was fully committed to its strategic plan.

Morgan Stanley and Applied Materials declined to comment to Reuters, while Lam Research didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Applied Materials is BESI's largest shareholder with a 9% interest, according to LSEG data.

The company had a market capitalization of 13.89 billion euros ($15.99 billion), based on Thursday's closing price of 175.25 euros.

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-13-26 0448ET