Computer chip machinery maker ASMI booked a loss of €23m in the first three months of 2009, higher than the €17m forecast by analysts, news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday evening.

Turnover reached €89m, also well below the average forecast of €105m.
‘During the 2009 first quarter, the continuing global economic uncertainty further deteriorated semiconductor equipment demand levels, following on the very weak fourth quarter environment,’ CEO Chuck del Prado said in a statement.
ASMI has been under siege from activists shareholders over the poor performance of its front end operations.