OXFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom, August 01, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Bookham Technology plc (LSE:BHM) (Nasdaq:BKHM), a leading provider of integrated optical components and subsystems for fiber optic communication networks, announces that it has sold its Canadabased R&D subsidiary, Measurement Microsystems AZ, Inc ("MM"), to a company backed by former management of MM. Bookham has retained a 25% shareholding in MM.Divestment of interest in Measurement Microsystems
The terms of the transaction allows Bookham to continue to use MM's patented optoelectronic technology.
The transaction follows Bookham's earlier decision, announced in its full year results release on 5 February 2002, to discontinue development efforts and close the operation.
The consideration for the disposal represents less than 1% of the net assets of Bookham.
For further information, please contact: Sharon Ostaszewska Tel: 44 (0)1235 837612 sharon.ostaszewska@bookham.com
Bookham Technology (LSE:BHM) (Nasdaq:BKHM) designs, manufactures and markets integrated multifunctional active and passive optical components using high volume production methods. With three disruptive semiconductor technologies: patented siliconbased ASOC, Gallium Arsenide and Indium Phosphide, the company provides endtoend networking solutions that offer higher performance and greater systems capability to communications network system providers.
The company, whose securities are traded on NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange, is headquartered in the U.K., with offices and manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and U.K., and has additional offices in France, Italy, Japan and China. The company employs approximately 800 people worldwide.
More information on Bookham Technology is available at www.bookham.com Bookham and ASOC are registered trademarks of Bookham Technology plc