Besi stock gains strategic weight as Applied Materials targets 20%

Applied Materials is deepening its strategic relationship with BE Semiconductor Industries, known as Besi. In a release dated October 26, the US semiconductor-equipment maker said it had entered an accelerated share purchase agreement that would increase its holding in Besi to approximately 20 percent of the outstanding shares.

The share delivery remains subject to the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Applied Materials initially invested in Besi in April 2025.

Strategic tie-up centers on AI packaging

According to Applied Materials, the companies have worked together since 2020. Their cooperation has expanded beyond hybrid bonding to next-generation interconnect architectures, 3D integrated-circuit scaling and chip integration platforms that support the semiconductor industry's AI roadmap.

Applied Materials said it views the investment as long term. It currently does not intend to raise its holding beyond approximately 20 percent or seek representation on Besi's board, keeping the announcement focused on strategic cooperation rather than a takeover offer.

Regulatory step remains next catalyst

The next milestones are the end of the US antitrust waiting period and delivery of the shares. For investors, the commercial case will depend on whether the closer relationship supports customer adoption, orders and wider use of advanced packaging equipment.

The real-time quote of Besi stock stood at 153.80 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 14:30 CEST on Friday, October 30, 2026. That was 1.06 percent below the 155.45 euros quoted at 09:20 CEST in the earlier report published the same day.

The Dutch semiconductor-equipment group trades in the AEX market environment; see the latest AEX market coverage.

More news and analyses on Besi stock will track the transaction, regulatory developments and the companies' technology partnership.