MALMO, SWEDEN -- Scandinavia's two largest EMS companies could be headed for a merger as Scanfil Oyj today announced a public offer of SEK443 million ($52.6 million) for PartnerTech.

PartnerTech’s board signaled its approval of the offering following the assent of the company's two largest shareholders, which represent a cumulative 65.9% of the firm's shares, expressed their support. 

Combined, the companies would have overall revenue of nearly $500 million, good for a top 40 position on the CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY Top 50. Scanfil had 2014 sales of 214 million euros ($235 million), while PartnerTech's revenue was 2,239 krona ($266 million). PartnerTech has struggled with profitability, however, and has an aggregate net loss over the past four years, due in large part to its money-losing Metal Precision Division.

The offer represents a premium of approximately 58.6% above PartnerTech’s volume-weighted average trading price at Nasdaq Stockholm over the 90 calendar days ended May 22, and a premium of 27% over the closing price for the PartnerTech that day. 

The 30-day offer is conditional upon approval of at least 90% of PartnerTech's outstanding shares and other regulatory approvals.

Scanfil's board said it expects annual cost-savings through the merger of a minimum of 5 million euros. It did not rule out facility closings or dispositions, but said it does currently not foresee any material changes to PartnerTech’s management and employees.

Malmo-based PartnerTech has 10 EMS plants across six countries and three continents, while Sieve, Finland-based Scanfil has eight in China and Europe. 

BANNOCKBURN, IL – A new market research study on military and aerospace electronics suggests the costs of materials will force industry to go lead-free.

SAN JOSE — North America-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers posted worldwide 90-day average orders of $1.57 billion in April, up 9% over  a year ago. 

SCHAUMBURG, IL – A free assembly, cleaning, coating, and reliability workshop will take place here June 23. Topics include printed circuit board failure mechanisms, solder paste challenges, surface analytics, conformal coating, and low-cost solutions.

CARLSBAD, CA – Registration for Nordson Asymtek's annual Technology Days is now open. The event will focus on how innovation and continuous technological developments in fluid dispensing, jetting, and conformal coating to improve the way companies bring their products to market.

GARDEN GROVE, CA ― Metcal’s new series of rework and repair workshops will start in June.

KUALA LUMPUR -- The need for product differentiation is compelling SMT equipment manufacturers to increase software functionality, but ongoing pricing pressures might spur further vendor consolidation.

ATLANTA -- The Homeland Security Foundation of America Public Safety Committee today announced a plan to help identify vulnerabilities within the US Department of Homeland Security supply chain. 

CHATSWORTH, CA – Natel Engineering and OnCore Manufacturing announced today that the merged company will be named Neo Technology Solutions, which builds on the three entities from which the merged company came.

LOUISVILLE, KY – Sypris Electronics posted revenue of $8.9 million in the first quarter of 2015 ended Apr. 5, up nearly 6% year-over-year.

PHILADELPHIA – ACI Technology’s Annual Tech Fair will take place May 20-21 at its headquarters here.

HAMAMTSU, JAPAN -- Yamaha plans to relocate production of its electronics component placement machines to a larger combined R&D and manufacturing factory here.