Illinois Tool Works acquires solder maker Kester

Illinois Tool Works Inc. on July 18 announced that it has acquired all of the shares of Kester Inc., a leading worldwide supplier of high-performance solder and related materials for electronic and microelectronic assembly suppliers. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Based in Des Plaines, Ill., Kester's products provide a critical functional linkage between the various components assembled onto printed circuit boards. The company's products are also used in the manufacture of a number of microelectonic subassemblies. Major end users include manufacturers of computers, communications devices, consumer products, medical equipment and military/defense products.

With estimated 2006 revenues of $175 million, Kester has a strong worldwide presence. Currently, more than 40 percent of the company's revenues emanate from Asia. The remaining revenues are North American, European and South American based.

ITW is a $12.8 billion in revenues diversified manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems and consumables. The company consists of approximately 700 business units in 48 countries and employs some 50,000 people.