Merck, the world’s largest producer of liquid crystal materials, has worked with Israel’s Qlight Nanotech since the latter’s foundation in 2009. At SID this year, for example, the companies showed their joint work on quantum rods – a form of quantum dot (Merck KGaA Presents Expanded Portfolio and New Developments at SID Display Week 2015).
At the end of June, Merck took its co-operation with Qlight one step further, with a formal announcement of acquisition. Merck already owned a stake in the company, and will increase that to 100%.
Merck aims to leverage new technologies, gained in the acquisition, to strengthen its position in the LC materials market, as well as its growing presence in OLED materials. Qlight Nanotech will remain the quantum materials research hub for Merck’s Performance Materials business sector.
“The acquisition of Qlight Nanotech perfectly fits into our innovation strategy”, said Karl-Ludwig Kley, CEO and chairman of Merck’s executive board. “We have set the basic platforms for growth in our three business sectors to grow organically and driven by innovation. Innovations are our lifeblood”.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
