The finale of Aixtron’s sale to Grand Chip Investment ended with the Chinese investor dropping the deal after U.S. President Barack Obama prohibited the German equipment maker from transferring key U.S. patents and assets to the acquisitor, due to national security concerns. In brief, Aixtron’s equipment can be used to make GaN wafers that are used in U.S. military applications including Patriot missiles. The German equipment maker is currently considering to sell parts of its business off instead, after the deal with the Chinese investor failed.

Important deals in the industry recently, include Panasonic’s interest in acquiring Austrian headlight manufacturer ZKW Group as it eyes the connected car industry. Another manufacturer eying the automotive LIDAR industry for smooth automated driving, Analog Devices absorbed Laser Beam Steering Technology. Jufei Opto and GE Lighting recently concluded a red phosphor licensing agreement, while quantum dot manufacturer Nanoco announced it acquired Kodak’s QLED patent portfolio.

Towards the end of 2016, there has been a slight uptick in LED package prices mainly due to soaring material costs. Yet, substantial promotions during the end of the year has triggered a steep price drop among LED bulbs in November.

Editor recommendations

1. Obama Blocks Grand Chip Investment Acquisition of Aixtron
2. Grand Chip Investment Drops Aixtron Acquisition Deal
3. Chinese LED Package Price Surge at Record Rate
4. Panasonic in Talks to Acquire Austrian Headlight Maker
5. Jufei Opto and GE Lighting Sign Red Phosphor Licensing Agreement
6. Analog Devices Acquires Laser Beam Steering Technology to Accelerate Adoption of Automotive LIDAR Systems
7. Taiwan LED Lighting Tariffs to be lifted as EGA Talks Enter Last Phase
8. Philips Lighting Makes up Manufacturing Shortage in India with Made in China Bulbs
9. Nanoco Acquires Quantum Dot Patents from Kodak
10. Year-End Promotions and New Product Launches Caused Prices of LED Light Bulbs to See Larger Monthly Declines in November

What’s trending

1. Researchers Find New LED Display Lights Can Improve Taste of Milk
2. NASA Readies Space Gardening Techniques for Multiple Harvests in 2017
3. Singaporean Researchers Make Silicon-based Micro-Lasers
4. Fulham Whitepaper Demystifies LED Drivers
5. Researchers Find New GaN Properties Suitable for Wide-Range of Applications
6. Flickering LED Light Treatment Can Pave Way to Alzhemer Cure
7. Five Compelling Reasons to Make the Switch to LED in 2017
8. LRC Scientist to Moderate Panel Session on the Health Impacts of LED Roadway Lighting
9. LRC Releases Free Lighting Circadian Stimulus Calculator

Government projects

• DOE Announces 2017 SBIR/STTR Funding Opportunity
• New York Town Slashes Energy Costs by US $57M with Cree LED Streetlights
• Beijing Installs Graphene Streetlights

Industry news

1. Sharp to Mass Produce Green Laser Diodes in Japan
2. Lianovation Sues Hanen Digital for Failure to Return Earnest Payment after Calling off Takeover
3. Leviton Acquires ConTech Lighting
4. BGE Customers Installed 25M LED and CFL Light Bulbs
5. Idemitsu Kosan Expands Production Capacity and Installation of Evaluation Equipment at Korean OLED Factory
6. Jiangsu Huasheng Tianlong Photoelectric Receives Large Order for Monocrystalline Silicon Growth Furnace
7. Honglizhihui Reaps Benefits from Restructure and Dual-track Strategy Approach
8. LIGHTFAIR® International 2017 Conference to Present New Industry Knowledge
9. Ecobuild Southeast Asia 2017

New products

1. HELLA and Covestro Develop Holographic Taillights
2. Osram Launches IR LED for Fitness Bands Sensor Applications
3. GE Integrates Amazon Alexa in Sleek LED Table Lamp
4. Hubbell Lighting Launches Wireless Lighting Controllers
5. Osram’s New LED Streetlights for Illuminating Towns and Cities
6. Bridgelux Vero® SE Series Arrays Now Available
7. Optronics Reveals Light Guide Optical Technology Integrated LED Taillights
8. Twist’s Smart LED Bulb that Plays Music and Lighting
9. Musco Launches Stadium Lighting Product with Precise Lighting Control Systems
10. Climate Cool Ceiling Panels
11. LED Engin Launches Comprehensive Range of Grow Lights
12. 2nd Ave Lighting Unveils New Cascading Pendant
13. WAC Lighting Unveils Architecturally Scaled LED Downlights for Fine Retailers
14. Cree Expands Energy Efficient LS Series LED Surface Ambient Portfolio

Lighting projects

1. “House of Wonders“ at Munich Modern Art and Design Museum Lit up with LEDs
2. Prototype Lexus LIT IS Covered in LEDs that Beat in Sync with Music
3. Westin Excelsior Hotel in Rome Illuminations Celebrates Osram’s 110-year Brand Anniversary
4. Leo Villareal Studio Wins London Competition to Light up Thames River