Rochester, N.Y. — In a move to expand its imaging patent and manufacturing portfolio, Kodak announced the purchase of National Semiconductor Corporation’s imaging business.
National’s imaging unit, with factories in the United States, produces CMOS image sensors for cellphones and automotive applications. Kodak has not announced whether it will honor National’s existing supplier relationships or how it will integrate National’s CMOS production into its own product line, but did indicate it would retain approximately 50 National employees based in Santa Clara, Calif., and move them to a Sunnyvale, Calif., facility.
Kodak will not acquire National’s ownership interest in sensor maker Foveon.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The sale, which requires approval from regulatory agencies and the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the next few weeks.
