 STMicroelectronicsCompany Description:STMicroelectronics is a global independent semiconductor company and is a leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivaled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence trends.ST is one of the world's largest semiconductor companies. In 2003, ST's net revenues were US$7.24 billion and net earnings were US$253 million. For the first half of 2004, ST's net revenue's were US$4.2 billion and net earnings were US$225 million. According to the most recent data from independent sources, ST is the world's leading supplier of application-specific analog ICs overall with number one rankings in various segments within this field, including wireless ASICs, computer peripheral ASICs and automotive ASSPs. ST is also the leader in MPEG-2 decoder ICs, and ASICs/ASSPs overall, including a number one position in digital consumer ASSPs. Additionally, ST is ranked at number three for discrete products, and in the memory market, ST is ranked fourth in NOR Flash ICs. In application segments overall: ST is number one for ICs in set-top boxes; at number two in smart cards, and also in xDSL chips; at number three in automotive; and at number four in wireless. The Company's products are manufactured and designed using a broad range of fabrication processes and proprietary design methods. To complement this depth and diversity of process and design technology, the Company also possesses a broad intellectual property portfolio that it has used to enter into cross-licensing agreements with many other leading semiconductor manufacturers. ST has developed a worldwide network of strategic alliances, including product development with key customers, technology development with customers and other semiconductor manufacturers, and equipment and CAD development alliances with major suppliers. By augmenting its rich portfolio of proprietary technologies and core competencies with complementary expertise from a variety of carefully chosen strategic partners, ST has developed an unsurpassed capability to offer leading-edge solutions to customers in all segments of the electronics industry. The Company currently offers over 3,000 main types of products to more than 1,500 customers, including Alcatel, Bosch, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Motorola, Nokia, Nortel Networks, Philips, Seagate Technology, Siemens, Sony, Thomson and Western Digital. Approximately two-thirds of ST's revenue is derived from differentiated products, a combination of dedicated, semi-custom and programmable products designed to suit a specific customer or a specific application and therefore having a high system content. This result reflects ST's exceptionally early recognition of the importance of system-on-chip technology, which is key for addressing the fast growing market for convergence products, and the success of the strategies it developed to ensure its leading position in this key emerging field. The ST group was formed in June 1987 as a result of the merger between SGS Microelettronica of Italy and Thomson Semiconducteurs of France. In May 1998, the company changed its name from SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics to STMicroelectronics. Since its formation, the Company has significantly broadened and upgraded its range of products and technologies and has strengthened its manufacturing and distribution capabilities in Europe, North America, and the Asia Pacific region. This capacity expansion is an ongoing process with the upgrading of existing facilities and the creation of new 8-inch, sub-micron fabs around the world. ST currently has five 8-inch fabs in operation in: Rousset Worldwide Headquarters:
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