STMicroelectronics, founded in 1987, is a new enterprise formed by the merger of Italian company SGS Microelectronics and French company Thomson Semiconductor. In May 1998, SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics changed its company name to STMicroelectronics.

  STMicroelectronics is one of the world's largest semiconductor companies, with sales revenue evenly distributed among the five high-speed growing markets in the semiconductor industry (the percentage of sales revenue in 2007): communication (35%), consumption (17%), computer (16%), automotive (16%), and industrial (16%). According to the latest industrial statistics, STMicroelectronics is the fifth largest semiconductor manufacturer in the world, leading the world in many markets. For example, STMicroelectronics is the world's largest manufacturer of specialized analog chips and power conversion chips, the world's largest supplier of industrial semiconductors and set-top box chips, and ranks among the world's top in discrete devices, mobile phone camera modules, and automotive integrated circuits.

Since its establishment, the growth rate of STMicroelectronics has exceeded the overall growth rate of the semiconductor industry.