The Semiconductor Group of Siemens AG, with facilities in Berlin and Munich, Germany, and the company's subsidiary Osram GmbH in Munich have launched a joint venture for optoelectronic semiconductors. The new enterprise will operate in Regensburg as Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH & Co.

By pooling the resources of the two subsidiaries, Siemens hopes to open new markets for light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Applications include instrument panels and third brake lights on cars. With LEDs becoming brighter, new opportunities exist in general-purpose lighting, traffic and railway signals, and illuminated displays.

Osram will own 51 percent of the company and will manage its 2300 employees.