SM International N.V. (Nasdaq: ASMI and Euronext Stock Exchange in Amsterdam: ASM) said today that its 2003 fourth quarter order intake was € 245 million, 87% ahead of the third quarter's actual order intake of € 131 million and the highest level of quarterly new orders since the 3rd quarter of 2000. Both Front-end and Back-end operations recorded significant bookings increases in the fourth quarter.
The Company stated that the improved and accelerating level of activity is encouraging for ASMI's performance in 2004.
More information about ASMI's bookings will be provided by the Company when it reports 2003 consolidated operating results on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 and in its investor conference call/web cast on Wednesday, February 25, 2004.