<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001104659-15-020897.txt : 20150319
<SEC-HEADER>0001104659-15-020897.hdr.sgml : 20150319
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20150319075902
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001104659-15-020897
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20150316
ITEM INFORMATION:		Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20150319
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20150319

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000103145
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	SPECIAL INDUSTRY MACHINERY, NEC [3559]
		IRS NUMBER:				112989601
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-16244
		FILM NUMBER:		15711610

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		TERMINAL DRIVE
		CITY:			PLAINVIEW
		STATE:			NY
		ZIP:			11803
		BUSINESS PHONE:		516 677-0200

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		TERMINAL DRIVE
		CITY:			PLAINVIEW
		STATE:			NY
		ZIP:			11803

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	VACUUM ELECTRONIC MANUFACTURING CORP
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19700408
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a15-7232_18k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES<br> SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Washington, D.C.&#160; 20549</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM&nbsp;8-K</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT<br> PURSUANT TO SECTION&nbsp;13 OR 15(d)&nbsp;OF THE</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):&#160; <b><font style="font-weight:bold;">March&nbsp;16</font>, 2015</b></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">0-16244</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"><br>   (Commission <br>   File Number)</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">11-2989601</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"><br>   (IRS Employer<br>   Identification No.)</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Terminal Drive, Plainview, New York 11803</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Address of principal executive offices)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">(516) 677-0200</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code)</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Not applicable</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form&nbsp;8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 22.8pt;text-indent:-22.8pt;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 22.8pt;text-indent:-22.8pt;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 22.8pt;text-indent:-22.8pt;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 22.8pt;text-indent:-22.8pt;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ITEM 4.01. Changes in Registrant&#146;s Certifying Accountant.</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">New Independent Accountant</font></i></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">On March&nbsp;18<b>, </b>2015, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Veeco Instruments Inc. (the &#147;Company&#148; or &#147;Veeco&#148;) engaged KPMG LLP (&#147;KPMG&#148;) to serve as the Company&#146;s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December&nbsp;31, 2015, effective immediately.&#160; The Audit Committee made its determination after completing a process it undertook to consider the selection of a public accounting firm for the 2015 audit.&#160; This process included consideration of several major public accounting firms, including Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP (&#147;EY&#148;), Veeco&#146;s former independent registered public accounting firm.&#160; In connection with the engagement of KPMG, the Audit Committee dismissed EY on March&nbsp;16, 2015.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">During the two fiscal years ended December&nbsp;31, 2013 and 2014 and the subsequent interim period through March&nbsp;18, 2015, (i)&nbsp;the Company did not both (a)&nbsp;consult with KPMG as to the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company&#146;s consolidated financial statements and (b)&nbsp;receive a written report or oral advice that KPMG concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; and (ii)&nbsp;the Company did not consult KPMG on any matter that was either the subject of a &#147;disagreement&#148; (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv)&nbsp;of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a &#147;reportable event&#148; (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v)&nbsp;of Regulation S-K).</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">Previous Independent Accountant</font></i></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">As described above, in connection with the engagement of KPMG, the Audit Committee dismissed EY on March&nbsp;16, 2015.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The audit reports of EY on the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December&nbsp;31, 2014 and 2013 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">During the two fiscal years ended December&nbsp;31, 2013 and 2014 and the subsequent interim period through March&nbsp;16, 2015, there were no (1)&nbsp;disagreements between the Company and EY on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to their satisfaction, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their reports on the consolidated financial statements for such years or (2)&nbsp;&#147;reportable events&#148; (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v)&nbsp;of Regulation S-K), other than the identification of material weaknesses in the Company&#146;s internal control over financial reporting as described in Item 4 of the Company&#146;s Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013, and September 30, 2013, all of which were remediated as of December&nbsp;31, 2013.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">Provision of Disclosure to Previous Independent Accountant</font></i></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The Company provided EY with a copy of this Form&nbsp;8-K and requested EY to furnish it with a letter addressed to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether it agrees with the above statements.&#160; A copy of such letter, dated March&nbsp;19, 2015, is filed as Exhibit&nbsp;16.1 to this Form&nbsp;8-K.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">Stockholder Ratification of New Independent Accountant</font></i></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The stockholders of the Company entitled to vote at the Company&#146;s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in May&nbsp;of this year will be asked to ratify the selection of KPMG as the Company&#146;s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2015.</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2<a name="PB_2_022948_7056"></a></font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01&#160;&#160; Financial Statements and Exhibits.</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(d)&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; <i>Exhibits</i>.</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Description</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">16.1</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Letter   to the Securities and Exchange Commission from Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP,   dated March&nbsp;19, 2015.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">March&nbsp;19,   2015</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">  </font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:   </font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/   Gregory A. Robbins </font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Name:   </font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Gregory   A. Robbins </font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Title:   </font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Senior   Vice President and General Counsel</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT&nbsp;INDEX</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Description</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">16.1</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Letter   to the Securities and Exchange Commission from Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP,   dated March&nbsp;19, 2015.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3<a name="PB_3_023503_5335"></a></font></p>
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<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT&nbsp;16.1</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">March&nbsp;19, 2015</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Securities and Exchange Commission</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">100 F Street, N.E.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Washington, DC 20549</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Ladies and Gentlemen:</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">We have read Item 4.01 of Form&nbsp;8-K dated March&nbsp;19, 2015, of Veeco Instruments Inc. and are in agreement with the statements contained in the fourth and fifth paragraphs on page&nbsp;two therein. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the registrant contained therein.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Regarding the registrant&#146;s statement concerning the lack of internal control to prepare financial statements included in the fifth paragraph on page two therein, we had considered such matter in determining the nature, timing and extent of procedures performed in our audit of the registrant&#146;s 2013 financial statements.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1<a name="PB_1_030015_7056"></a></font></p>
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