Hermes Focus Asset Management Europe said Wednesday it welcomes the court decision to start an investigation into management decisions by the board of Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASM International NV (ASM.AE).

MAIN FACTS:

-Hermes is pleased that the legal proceedings have reached a conclusion and welcomes the verdict announced today.

-Hermes believes the implementation of the court's decision will be an important step towards restoring investor confidence, and trusts that the implementation will be done in a way that is supportive of the effective running of the business.

- By Amsterdam Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; amsterdam@dowjones.com