Metron Technology to Acquire ChemTrace to Enhance Fab-wide Services

ChemTrace, a recognized leader in the cleaning of process-criticalcomponents, has developed a portfolio of optimized, technology-basedmethods to clean a wide range of ceramic, quartz, silicon and metalparts. ChemTrace's analytical testing services complement its cleaningservices, providing high purity testing of materials for monitoring,contamination control and materials qualification.

"Repeatable and predictable cleaning, coating and refurbishment ofcomponents for process equipment is essential for minimizing defectsduring semiconductor manufacturing, enabling tighter process controland lowering overall cost of ownership," said Werner Finsterbusch,general manager of Metron Technology. "The acquisition of ChemTracewill enable Metron to serve customers in new markets and provide themwith a consistent source of quality parts cleaning solutions. It willalso expand our capability to create advanced cleaning processes asnew components, materials and films are being developed in theindustry. We believe this is an excellent opportunity for Metron andan important element of our fab-wide services solutions."

ChemTrace will be operated as part of Metron Technology, awholly-owned subsidiary of Applied Materials, Inc., extending Metron'sglobal reach with additional service operations in Fremont, CA;Portland, OR; Austin, TX; and Hsinchu, Taiwan.

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating toexpected benefits from the acquisition of ChemTrace's semiconductorparts cleaning and analytical testing business, product capabilitiesand growth opportunities. These statements are subject to known andunknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results todiffer materially from those stated or implied, including but notlimited to: the successful integration and performance of the acquiredbusiness; sustainability of demand in the semiconductor andsemiconductor equipment industries, which is subject to many factors,including global economic conditions, business spending, consumerconfidence, demand for electronic products and integrated circuits,and geopolitical uncertainties; ChemTrace's ability to develop,deliver and support a broad range of equipment and service productsand to expand its markets and develop new markets; and other risksdescribed in Applied Materials' Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed withthe SEC. All forward-looking statements are based on management'sestimates, projections and assumptions as of the date hereof andApplied Materials assumes no obligation to update any such statement.

Metron Technology, Inc. is an independent supplier of fab-widesupport services to the semiconductor and related industries,providing custom integrated solutions for optimizing operations andimproving manufacturing efficiency. Metron is headquartered in SanJose, California, and is on the web at www.metrontech.com.

Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT), headquartered in SantaClara, California, is the largest supplier of equipment and servicesto the global semiconductor industry. Applied Materials' website iswww.appliedmaterials.com.