Intel Corp. and Micron Technology on Tuesday announced that the companies have entered into agreements to expand their NAND Flash memory joint venture relationship. Under the terms of the agreement, Intel further reduces stake in IM Flash, but continues to co-design manufacturing technologies as well as receive NAND flash memory.

The agreements, which are designed to improve the flexibility and efficiency of the joint venture, include a NAND flash supply agreement for Micron to supply NAND products to Intel and agreements for certain joint venture assets to be sold to Micron. Under terms of the agreement, Intel is selling its stake in two wafer factories in exchange for approximately $600 million - the approximate book value of Intel's share. Additionally, Intel will be receiving approximately half of the consideration in cash and the remaining amount will be deposited with Micron, which may be refunded or applied to Intel's future purchases under the NAND flash supply agreement. The agreements also extend the companies' successful NAND flash joint development program and expand it to include emerging memory technologies.

"The Intel-Micron partnership has created industry-leading NAND Flash memory technology and developed a robust global manufacturing network. The new NAND Flash supply agreement with Micron gives Intel better flexibility to meet growing demand for SSDs and other products," said Robert Crooke, general manager of the non-volatile memory solutions group at Intel.

As part of these agreements, Micron will increase its share of the overall NAND Flash output and optimize its global manufacturing network by purchasing the assets of IM Flash Singapore (IMFS) and the IM Flash Technologies (IMFT) assets in Manassas, Virginia.

Micron has also agreed to supply Intel with NAND Flash memory from its facilities. The IMFT joint venture NAND manufacturing facility in Lehi, Utah, will continue to operate with minimal changes to its existing operations. The facility is currently in production on the companies' industry-leading 20nm NAND Flash memory technology. The transaction is expected to close during the first half of this year, subject to certain conditions.

Tags: Intel, Micron, NAND, Flash, Business, 20nm