Chip testing equipment maker Nextest Systems plans to go public

Nextest Systems, a provider of automated test equipment for semiconductor manufacturers, assembly providers and wafer fabrication foundries, plans to go public. The company generated $30 million in revenue during the last 12 months ended December 2003 and produced a 1% EBITDA margin. Merrill Lynch, SG Cowen and Needham & Company have been selected to underwrite the deal.