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Sumitomo Metal Micro Devices, Inc. and Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd. Conclude Absorption-Type Corporate Split Contract Sumitomo Metal Micro Devices, Inc. (SMMD), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. (Sumitomo Metals), and Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (Hokuriku Electric) agreed on September 29, 2009 to make a capital and business alliance for the electronic module business and to establish a new company (80% owned by Hokuriku Electric and 20% by Sumitomo Metals). According to the agreement, Hokuriku Electric and SMMD have concluded a contract on the absorption-type corporate split, whereby the Systems Division of Hokuriku Electric will be split and succeeded to SMMD on August 2, 2010. SMMD is scheduled to change its company name to HDK Micro Devices on the same day. The new company intends to integrate strength of both companies and reinforce its business in aspects such as customer services. On the scheduled date of the absorption-type corporate split, Sumitomo Metals plans to purchase some treasury stock of Hokuriku Electric, corresponding to their purchase of SMMD' shares in order to enhance mutual trust and cooperative relationship between Sumitomo Metals and Hokuriku Electric, and to make the deal more effective. Details remain to be determined.