Jack Ghiselli, founded GW Associates in 1975. He is a recognized pioneer of factory automation software for the semiconductor industry. He has been active in SEMI Standards since 1979 and served as Co-Chairman for the SEMI committee responsible for SECS and related standards. In July 2000, he was chosen by his peers and awarded the SEMI Standards Honor Award, in recognition of his dedication to the advancement of SEMI Standards and his many years of service to the industry. Under his management, GW became the market leader for SECS and GEM connectivity software. The Company achieved and maintained its 80% market leadership by designing, developing, engineering and marketing connectivity software compliant to semiconductor industry standards. Given this background, the Company grew steadily and by 2000 achieved a high level of profitability on revenues of about $8 million.

In October 2000, Jack Ghiselli engaged Instream as his financial advisor to sell the Company.  GW had a strong balance sheet and was projecting modest sales growth which in combination suggested a modest premium.   However, Instream felt the Company should sell at a significant premium given its market leadership, strong financial position and a number of intangible assets, in particular a strong team.  So, Instream valued the Company at over $25 million, a value much higher than that proposed by a banker Instream replaced. Although in initial discussions, this valuation was rejected, ultimately using Instream’s unique approach and process, it was able to position and portray the Company in a way that led to competitive bidding, which in turn led to the premium expected.

In May 2001, Asyst Technologies, Inc. acquired GW Associates for $32 million.