Jazz Technologies

Acquicor Technology Inc is a company jointly founded by Gil Amelio, Steve Wozniak and Ellen Hancock, all of whom have worked for Apple Computer. Acquicor is a "blank check" company that will not make or sell any products, but rather seeks acquisitions in the technology sector.

On March 14, 2006 Acquicor raised $150 million ($172.5 with Greenshoe) in an initial public offering (IPO) on the American Stock Exchange, and trades under the ticker AQR. Amelio has been named chairman and CEO of the new company.

On September 26, 2006, it was announced that Acquicor had acquired Jazz Semiconductor Inc. for $260 million.

On June 11, 2007 it was announced that Hancock had left, and there were no plans to replace her.

According to the website Acquicor.com, Acquicor has changed its name to Jazz Technologies, Inc. As of February 21, 2007, it trades on the AMEX stock exchange under the ticker symbol JAZ.

On September 19, 2008 Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (NASDAQ: TSEM, TASE: TSEM), an independent specialty wafer foundry, announced the completion of its merger with Jazz Technologies, Inc. (formerly AMEX: JAZ). As a result of this transaction, Gilbert F. Amelio, Jazz’s chairman and chief executive officer, announced his decision to retire as an officer and director effective upon the closing of the merger. He will continue to serve as a special advisor to Tower’s board of directors.

External links

• Acquicor website
• Acquicor Purchases Jazz Semiconductor, Septermber 2006
• TheStreet.com, Acquicor Tech Enjoys Apple's Halo, 20 March 2006
• MacMinute – Former Apple executives form new company, 15 March 2006 MacMinute
• EE Times, Ex-Apple execs form 'blank check' company, 15 March 2006
• Edgar Online - Acquicor IPO
• Investors.com, Amelio And Wozniak Seek A 'Blank Check, 3 March 2006