DURHAM, N.C. — Cree, Inc. announced that it will terminate the definitive agreement to sell its Wolfspeed Power and RF division (“Wolfspeed”), which includes the silicon carbide substrate business for power, RF and gemstone applications, to Infineon Technologies AG. Cree and Infineon have been unable to identify alternatives which would address the national security concerns of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and as a result, the proposed transaction will be terminated.
“We are disappointed that the Wolfspeed sale to Infineon could not be completed,” stated Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and CEO. “In light of this development, we are going to shift our focus back to growing the Wolfspeed business. The Wolfspeed business has performed well this year as our customers have further realized the value of our unique technology and is on a great path as a part of Cree. The strength of our balance sheet and improving operating cash flow gives us the ability to invest in Wolfspeed, while continuing to pursue our LED and Lighting growth plans. We believe investing to grow all three businesses will create the most value for our shareholders.”
Chuck Swoboda added: “I thank Dr. Ploss and the rest of the Infineon team for the significant amount of time and commitment they invested trying to successfully complete the transaction.”
The termination of this transaction with Infineon will trigger a termination fee of $12.5 million being paid to Cree. As a result of the transaction termination and Cree’s decision to focus on running the Wolfspeed business, Wolfspeed will now be reported as a separate segment of Cree’s continuing operations.
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