MKS Instruments of Andover, Massachusetts, has agreed to acquire advanced electroplating company Atotech. The $16.20/share deal gives Atotech an enterprise value of about $6.5 billion. Private equity firm Carlyle Group, which currently owns 79% of Atotech, has committed to vote in favour. The transaction should be completed in Q4, subject to regulatory approval in Jersey, where Atotech is registered, and other customary closing conditions.

Within the space of ten days in mid-March, Atotech announced that its new production site in China and its R&D centre are both fully operational. The company, which is based in Berlin, specialises in advanced electroplating. These developments bring its total network of sites to 17, including eight in Asia.