BUZZ-Applied Materials plans to increase its stake, Besi shares surge in response

Analyst comments were added in points 2 to 3, and stock price information was updated.

October 27 - ** After U.S. peer Applied Materials AMAT.O announced plans to increase its stake in Dutch company BE Semiconductors Industries BESI.AS (link) to 20%, shares of the latter (link) jumped about 9%

** “This move should reignite takeover expectations, which would support the share price,” Degroof Petercam analysts said in a research note.

**However, they added, a potential acquisition by Applied Materials would face obstacles from Chinese regulators, citing recent instances where Beijing blocked deals in the semiconductor sector.

** From April 2025, Applied Materials will become Besi’s largest shareholder.

** The company stated it does not plan to increase its stake above 20%.

** As of the close of the previous trading day, Besi shares have risen 9.4% so far this year.

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