MicroProbe merger gives combined company 50 percent lead over nearest competitor says new survey by VLSIresearch

LIVERMORE, Calif. — May 28, 2013 — In its annual survey of semiconductor probe card suppliers for 2012, leading market research firm, VLSIresearch, ranked FormFactor (Nasdaq: FORM) as the top supplier of advanced semiconductor probe cards (memory and non-memory) following its merger last year with MicroProbe.

FormFactor is the premier supplier of advanced probe cards to the memory market. MicroProbe serves the SoC market as the leading advanced probe card vendor. Together, FormFactor and MicroProbe are the semiconductor industry’s largest probe card player with combined revenue of $262 million. In the advanced probe card sector, the combined revenue was $252 million, more than 50 percent higher than the closest competitor. The lead is strongest for MEMS probe cards where combined revenue topped $216 million—twice as high as the nearest competitor.

According to the VLSIresearch survey, “The Probe Card Market – 2012 Survey Results & Forecast Update,” worldwide sales of semiconductor probe cards for 2012 was $1.2 billion. Advanced probe cards accounted for 76 percent of the total market. Within this sector, advanced non-memory probe card sales grew by 14 percent—outpacing all other sectors. The VLSIresearch survey projects the semiconductor probe card industry as a whole will see sustained growth through 2017 when sales are expected to top $1.7 billion.

“FormFactor’s strong showing in this year’s survey is attributed to the company’s progress in DRAM device test, as well as a steady migration by customers to new SoC packaging applications like flip-chip and copper pillars,” said CEO Tom St. Dennis. “Complex applications—essential enablers of consumer mobile products—depend on advanced probe cards that can meet rigorous test requirements while simultaneously lowering overall test costs. We’re

pleased to lead this sector by providing exceptional technology solutions to our customers, and we’re proud to rank highly in this respected survey.”

VLSIresearch President Risto Puhakka said, “2012 was a good year for FormFactor. Together with MicroProbe they’ve got the technology and products to address IC requirements across the entire advanced probe card space. Furthermore, they’re moving fast with combined R&D initiatives to master challenging applications with robust solutions. The merger created a formidable new probe card company with strong competitive advantages.”