There have been recent reports that struggling Japanese memory maker Elpida Memory Inc.

WSJ: Micron Tech CEO Dies in Plane Accident

Elpida Memory said its semiconductor assembly facility in Yamagata has been damaged and that it also is having power issues.

FORBES: Japan Quake Knocked Out 25% Of Global Silicon Wafer Production

Applied Materials' customers include Samsung Group, ASM International, Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Elpida Memory, Inotera Memories, Photronics, Powerchip Semiconductor and Semiconductor Manufacturing International, according to Revere Data.

FORBES: Magazine Article

In Tokyo, shares of Elpida Memory Inc. rallied 6.6% after the Yomiuri Shimbun said the chip maker would seek a capital tie-up with U.S. firm Micron Technology Inc.

WSJ: Japan's Nikkei Rises

With its acquisition of Elpida Memory, which is expected to complete by the first half of 2013, we believe Micron is in a good position to leverage growing demand for memory products.

FORBES: Micron Earnings Confirm Improving Memory Market