Bourns Acquires Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Trimming Potentiometer Business

RIVERSIDE, Calif., January 15, 2016 - Bourns, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, today announced that it has acquired specified assets of the trimming potentiometer business of Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.  The transfer of the acquired assets will begin in early 2016.  Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Bourns invented the world’s first trimming potentiometer, trademarked Trimpot®.  Today, trimming potentiometers are used to perform a variety of circuit adjustments in all types of electronic equipment in virtually every market around the world.  Bourns has continually increased the number of physical configurations available and the ability of its Trimpot® products to withstand manufacturing environment demands, offering its customers enhanced design flexibility in selecting the optimal product for a particular application.

“The acquisition of Murata’s trimming potentiometer business brings two significant strategic advantages for Bourns – a stronger competitive position particularly in Asia, and additional depth to Bourns’ world-leading Trimpot® product line,” said Erik Meijer, President and COO of Bourns.  “As the inventor of trimming potentiometers more than 60 years ago, we are proud to continue Bourns’ pioneering legacy with the acquisition of Murata’s well-regarded trimming potentiometer product lines.  This acquisition continues the company’s ongoing commitment to offering products and solutions that add value and functionality while lowering the total cost of ownership for our customers.”

“The Bourns transition team is working closely with Murata to ensure continuity, seamless product availability and the highest level of customer service,” explained Hans van Delft, Vice President and General Manager of the Bourns Industrial Division.  “Leading this transition, I want to personally assure both Murata’s and Bourns’ customers that Bourns will continue the same industry-leading product performance, quality and reliability they have grown to trust.”

About Murata

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of ceramic-based passive electronic components and solutions, communication modules and power supply modules. Murata is committed to the development of advanced electronic materials and leading edge, multi-functional, high-density modules. The company has employees and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. For more information, visit Murata's website at www.murata.com.

About Bourns

Bourns, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of position and speed sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic components, microelectronic modules, panel controls and resistive products.  Headquartered in Riverside, California, USA, Bourns serves a broad range of markets, including automotive, industrial, consumer, communications, non-critical life support medical, audio and various other market segments.  Additional company and product information is available at www.bourns.com.

Bourns® and Trimpot® are registered trademarks of Bourns, Inc. and may be used only with the permission of Bourns and proper acknowledgement. Other listed names and brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.