On January 22, ASMPT, a renowned global provider of semiconductor packaging equipment, declared its intention to divest its Surface - Mount Technology (SMT) business. The move is aimed at enabling the company to concentrate more intently on its core semiconductor business.

The SMT business has its roots in a Siemens division that ASMPT acquired back in 2011. A significant portion of its key assets and operational activities are based overseas. Industry analysts are of the opinion that this divestiture serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it streamlines the company's asset portfolio, ensuring a more efficient allocation of resources. Secondly, by divesting this non - core business, it reduces the likelihood of the company being subjected to the long - arm jurisdiction of foreign governments. This, in turn, helps to clearly define the value of ASMPT's core semiconductor assets and creates a more favorable environment for potential Chinese capital participation.