Mr. Wagner is currently executive vice president of the company's gases and equipment division.

The idea surfaced in December 2000 when members of Nike's equipment division were discussing possible innovations for children's products.

He had previously served as executive vice president of the company's gases and equipment division, a position he had held since 1990.

At the same time, he sold Thomson's medical equipment division to General Electric.

The equipment division, which was losing money, is again profitable.

Likewise the equipment division and the power chamber.

Tidewater, based in New Orleans, also has a marine equipment division.

He said the equipment division might be sold for $150 million.

After a relatively short period, it became clear that equipment mattered, and equipment divisions were thus designated.

The semiconductor operations exist principally to serve the equipment divisions of their parent organizations.