BE Semiconductor Industries (BESI) Stock Soars on Takeover Buzz From Lam Research and Applied Materials

Key Takeaways Shares of BESI reached a record €199.85 on Friday following a Reuters report detailing acquisition interest from major U.S. semiconductor equipment manufacturers Among the interested parties is Lam Research (LRCX); Applied Materials (AMAT), which owns a 9% position, is also reportedly considering a bid The Dutch company has engaged Morgan Stanley to assess the potential offers Initial discussions kicked off in mid-2025 but were temporarily suspended in early 2025 amid U.S.-EU diplomatic friction over Greenland; negotiations have now restarted Under Dutch regulations, any transaction would necessitate a national security assessment Shares of BE Semiconductor Industries exploded up to 14% on Friday, reaching an all-time high after Reuters disclosed that the Dutch advanced packaging equipment specialist is attracting takeover proposals from two American semiconductor giants: Lam Research and Applied Materials. BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (BESI.AS) The equity most recently changed hands at approximately €194.25, up roughly 10%, valuing the Amsterdam-traded firm at about €14 billion ($16.2 billion). During its session high of €199.85, the stock had more than doubled from the €79.62 trough registered in April 2025 — when concerns about U.S. trade tariffs had pressured semiconductor stocks broadly. According to two individuals with knowledge of the situation, BESI has retained Morgan Stanley to review the incoming proposals. The advisory firm did not provide a statement. One source indicated that Lam Research (LRCX) has been among the most active parties engaging in substantive talks with BESI. Shares of LRCX declined approximately 4.3% following the disclosure. Applied Materials (AMAT) is also reportedly in the mix as a prospective acquirer. The Silicon Valley-based company secured a 9% ownership position in BESI during April 2024, establishing itself as the company’s largest investor. AMAT stock fell around 3.9% on Friday. That earlier stake acquisi...