The Netherlands-based ASML announced to acquire 100% stake in Hermes Microvision from Taiwan for US$3.1 billion in June this year, and the deal had be approved by Taiwan's Fair Trade Commission, reported Central News Agency on August 24. ASML is known for its photolithography technology while Hermes for its semiconductor testing equipment. Since the two companies' technologies are applied to different stages in wafer manufacturing and their products are not interchangeable, the Commission believed that the merger is of diversification strategy and therefore granted the deal. Hermes Microvision said that it will continue to expand its business and investment in Taiwan after the acquisition. The deal is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter this year.