Google has taken a 6.3pc share in the subsidiary of Taiwan-based chip manufacturer Himax that is responsible for producing liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) chips that feature in the internet giant’s Google Glass wearable computers.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of this year and Google will have the option to make an additional investment in preferred shares in the company.
If the option is exercised in full, Google will own up to 14.8pc of Himax Display Inc (HDI).
HDI’s facilities product the LCOS chips and modules used in heads up display (HUD) devices like Google Glass, as well as pico-projector products.
“Google is a preeminent global technology leader, we are delighted to receive this investment and to form a strategic partnership with Google,” said Jordan Wu, president and chief executive officer of Himax.
“Beginning the second quarter of this year, we had already begun expanding capacity to meet demand for our LCOS product line.
“This investment from Google further validates our commitment to developing breakthrough technologies and state-of-the-art production facilities. We look forward to leveraging this investment and our collective expertise with Google to create unique and transformational LCOS technologies for many years ahead,” Wu said.
