Thomson-CSF was a major electronics and defence contractor. In December 2000 it was renamed Thales Group. . 12/20/1999, Atmel Corp. announced an agreement to acquire the semiconductor operation of France’s Thomson-CSF. Thomson CSF Passive Components makes film capacitors, ferrites,high-energy and high-voltage power capacitors, ceramic capacitors, varistors, and nonlinear resistors. Thomson CSF was acquired by AVX Corporation in June, 1998. AVX, a recognized leader in the global passive electronic component and interconnect products industry, is at the forefront of technology, design, manufacturing and supply. AVX serves a broad range of markets including communications, networks, automotive, consumer, military, industrial and medical sectors. In the automotive industry, AVX is contributing toward new technologies for safety, engine control, infotainment and chassis control. In the medical industry, AVX Advanced products are critical for implantable devices that regulate and stimulate the heart, bring sound to the hearing-impaired and sight to those with vision problems. AVX research and development has anticipated and adapted products that help fuel the explosive growth in communications technology.
