Credence Systems

Credence Systems Corporation was a manufacturer of test equipment for the global semiconductor industry, with a major focus on solving specific challenges facing the fast-growing consumer-driven semiconductor markets. Founded in 1978 by David Mees as Semiconductor Test Solutions, the company changed its name to Credence after acquiring Axiom and ASIX in 1990. The company's initial public offering was completed on October 28, 1993. It was publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol CMOS before the merger with LTX in 2008. It was headquartered in Milpitas, California, and was established in twenty countries.
Customers included integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), wafer foundries, outsource assembly and test (OSAT) suppliers and fabless chip companies.
Product Lines.
Over the years Credence either produced or acquired many product lines including:
Competition.
On June 22, 2008 competitor LTX signed a merger agreement with Credence Systems Corporation: LTX CEO and President David Tacelli will become CEO of the merged company.
On August 29, 2008 LTX and Credence Systems Corporation complete merger to form LTX-Credence Corporation (NASDAQ: LTXC). [3]
On November 18, 2010, Verigy and LTXC agreed on a merger/acquisition operation, the new company will be operated under Verigy name.
On March 27, 2011, the merger agreement with Verigy was terminated as Verigy accepted a merger offer from Advantest. LTXC decided to remain a stand-alone company.
Before the merger Credence System’s remaining principal competitors in the ATE business (besides LTX) were:
On November 1, 2001, Integrated Measurement Systems, Inc. (IMS) was acquired by Credence Systems Corporation.