FormFactor Ranked Top Worldwide Supplier of Advanced Semiconductor Probe Cards

LIVERMORE, CA--(Marketwired - May 28, 2013) - In its annual survey of semiconductor probe card suppliers for 2012, leading market research firm, VLSIresearch, ranked FormFactor (NASDAQ: FORM) as the top supplier of advanced semiconductor probe cards (memory and non-memory) following its merger last year with MicroProbe.

FormFactor is the premier supplier of advanced probe cards to the memory market. MicroProbe serves the SoC market as the leading advanced probe card vendor. Together, FormFactor and MicroProbe are the semiconductor industry's largest probe card player with combined revenue of $262 million. In the advanced probe card sector, the combined revenue was $252 million, more than 50 percent higher than the closest competitor. The lead is strongest for MEMS probe cards where combined revenue topped $216 million -- twice as high as the nearest competitor.

According to the VLSIresearch survey, "The Probe Card Market - 2012 Survey Results & Forecast Update," worldwide sales of semiconductor probe cards for 2012 was $1.2 billion. Advanced probe cards accounted for 76 percent of the total market. Within this sector, advanced non-memory probe card sales grew by 14 percent -- outpacing all other sectors. The VLSIresearch survey projects the semiconductor probe card industry as a whole will see sustained growth through 2017 when sales are expected to top $1.7 billion. 

"FormFactor's strong showing in this year's survey is attributed to the company's progress in DRAM device test, as well as a steady migration by customers to new SoC packaging applications like flip-chip and copper pillars," said CEO Tom St. Dennis. "Complex applications -- essential enablers of consumer mobile products -- depend on advanced probe cards that can meet rigorous test requirements while simultaneously lowering overall test costs. We're pleased to lead this sector by providing exceptional technology solutions to our customers, and we're proud to rank highly in this respected survey."

VLSIresearch President Risto Puhakka said, "2012 was a good year for FormFactor. Together with MicroProbe they've got the technology and products to address IC requirements across the entire advanced probe card space. Furthermore, they're moving fast with combined R&D initiatives to master challenging applications with robust solutions. The merger created a formidable new probe card company with strong competitive advantages."

About FormFactor

FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM) is a leader in advanced wafer test solutions. The company's advanced wafer probe cards enable semiconductor manufacturers to lower their overall production costs, improve yields, and bring next-generation devices to market. FormFactor's acquisition of MicroProbe creates the leading wafer test solution provider for both memory and non-memory semiconductor manufacturers. FormFactor is headquartered in Livermore, California with operations in Europe, Asia and North America. For more information, visit the company's website at www.formfactor.com.

FormFactor, MicroProbe and the FormFactor and MicroProbe logos are registered or unregistered trademarks of FormFactor, Inc. All other product, trademark, company or service names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

About VLSIresearch
VLSIresearch is the leading provider of market research and economic analysis on the technical, business and economic aspects within semiconductor, nanotechnology and related industries. The company is known for its unparalleled accuracy, innovation in market research, and its sharply focused insight into the rapidly changing landscapes of the industries covered. VLSIresearch's primary databases and reports cover the semiconductor, flat panel display, PV cell and module manufacturing, and associated high technology industries. VLSIresearch was founded in 1976. The VLSIresearch report, "The Probe Card Market - 2012 Market Results & Forecast Update," is available now at www.vlsiresearch.com.

Forward-looking Statements:
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding anticipated results, market conditions, expectations and operating plans. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results might differ materially from those in any forward-looking statement due to various factors, including, but not limited to: our ability to successfully integrate and realize the anticipated benefits of the Astria Semiconductor Holdings, Inc. acquisition, including Micro-Probe Incorporated; risks of the company's ability to meet customers' test roadmaps, including for SoC packaging applications like flip-chip and copper pillars; risks of the company's ability to continue to make progress in DRAM device test; risks of the company's ability to meet rigorous test requirements while simultaneously lowering customers' overall test costs; and changes in the market and macro-economic environments. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statement is contained in the company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, as filed with the SEC, and subsequent SEC filings, including the company's Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q. Copies of the company's SEC filings are available at http://investors.formfactor.com/edgar.cfm. The company assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release, to revise any forward-looking statements or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements.

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