Siltronic, a German semiconductor provider, reported a 17% increase in the fourth quarter earnings and said it expects an increase in demand in the mid and long terms. The 4.35 billion euro acquisition of Siltronic by GlobalWafers failed since the agreement did not gain regulatory approval in a timely manner, but another attempt is still possible.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 17.1% quarter on quarter to 144 million euros, a result of the release of almost 12 million euros in provisions when GlobalWafers’ tender offer failed.

Chief Executive Officer Siltronic, Christoph von Plotho said, “We now see ourselves in a strong position to remain successful as an independent company.”

Siltronic spokesperson said, “Ongoing geopolitical and global economic uncertainties and the COVID-19 pandemic would continue to shape 2022 and warned rising costs and inflation would have a negative impact on earnings.”

Nonetheless, “megatrends” in the semiconductor industry would raise the demand in the mid and long terms. “The company expects a positive market environment and significant price increases in 2022,” it said in a statement.