Silicon Valley Group, Inc. manufactures semiconductor-processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. The fabrication of integrated circuits involves repeating a complex series of process steps to a semiconductor wafer. The company has three principal product groups that focus primarily on photolithography, photoresist processing, and deposition for oxidation/diffusion and low-pressure chemical vapor deposition and atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. It also has a precision optics group that supplies certain components for its photolithography products and government markets. The proprietary technologies of its products offer continual productivity enhancements. The company supports its products through a network of worldwide service and technical support organizations. Its customers include companies that manufacture semiconductor devices primarily for sale to others and companies that manufacture semiconductor devices primarily for internal use. As of 5/22/2001, Silicon Valley Group is a subsidiary of ASM Lithography Holding N.V.