SUMMARY

        This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus and may not contain all the information that is important to you with respect to the merger and the other matters being considered at the special meeting. You are urged to read the remainder of this proxy statement/prospectus carefully, including the attached Annexes, and the other documents referred to or incorporated by reference herein. See also the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 143 of this proxy statement/prospectus. Each item in this summary refers to the page of this proxy statement/prospectus on which that subject is discussed in more detail.

The Companies

Veeco Instruments Inc. (see page 17)

        Veeco creates process equipment that enables technologies for a cleaner and more productive world. Veeco designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supports thin film equipment to meet the demands of key global trends such as improving energy efficiency, enhancing mobility, and increasing connectivity. Veeco's equipment is used to make electronic devices which enable these trends, including light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), micro-electromechanical systems ("MEMS"), wireless devices, power electronics, hard disk drives ("HDDs"), and semiconductor devices. Veeco's products are sold to semiconductor and advanced packaging device manufacturers, and Veeco may also license its technology to its customers or partners.

        Veeco develops highly differentiated, "best-in-class" equipment for critical performance steps in thin film processing. Veeco's products provide leading technology at low cost-of-ownership. Core competencies in advanced thin film technologies and decades of specialized process know-how help Veeco stay at the forefront of these rapidly advancing industries.

        Veeco's portfolio of technology solutions sell into four key market areas: Lighting, Display & Power Electronics; Advanced Packaging, MEMS & Radio Frequency; Scientific & Industrial; and Data Storage.

        Veeco was organized as a Delaware corporation in 1989. Veeco's headquarters are located at 1 Terminal Drive, Plainview, New York 11803, and its telephone number is (516) 677-0200. Veeco has sales and service operations across the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and North America to address its customers' needs. Veeco's website is www.veeco.com. The information on Veeco's website is not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 143 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Ultratech, Inc. (see page 17)

        Ultratech designs, builds and markets manufacturing systems for the global technology industry. Founded in 1979, Ultratech serves three core markets: frontend semiconductor, backend semiconductor, and nanotechnology. Ultratech is the leading supplier of lithography products for bump packaging of integrated circuits and high-brightness LEDs. Ultratech is also the market leader and pioneer of LSA technology for the production of advanced semiconductor devices. In addition, Ultratech offers solutions leveraging its proprietary CGS technology to the semiconductor wafer inspection market and provides ALD tools to leading research organizations, including academic and industrial institutions.

        The principal executive offices of Ultratech are located at 3050 Zanker Road, San Jose, California 95134, and its telephone number is (408) 321-8835. Additional information about Ultratech and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 143 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Ulysses Acquisition Subsidiary Corp. (see page 17)

        Merger Subsidiary is a wholly owned subsidiary of Veeco and is a Delaware corporation. Merger Subsidiary was formed on February 1, 2017, for the sole purpose of effecting the merger. In the merger, Merger Subsidiary will be merged with and into Ultratech, with Ultratech surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Veeco. The principal executive offices of Merger Subsidiary are located at 1 Terminal Drive, Plainview, New York 11803, and its telephone number is (516) 677-0200.

Comparative Market Price and Dividend Information (Unaudited)
(see page 36)

        Shares of Veeco's common stock are listed for trading on Nasdaq under the symbol "VECO" and shares of Ultratech common stock are listed for trading on Nasdaq under the symbol "UTEK". The following table sets forth the closing sales prices of a share of Veeco common stock (as reported on Nasdaq) and of Ultratech common stock (as reported on Nasdaq), each on February 1, 2017, the last trading day before the day on which Veeco and Ultratech announced the execution of the merger agreement, and on                    , 2017, the last practicable trading day before the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        The market prices of Veeco common stock and Ultratech common stock will fluctuate before the special meeting and before the merger is consummated. You should obtain current stock price quotations from a newspaper, the Internet or your broker or banker.

        Veeco's Dividend Policy.    Veeco has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock. The Veeco board will determine future dividend policy based on Veeco's consolidated results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, and other circumstances. The merger agreement prohibits Veeco from authorizing or paying dividends or making distributions on its capital stock, so Veeco does not expect to pay dividends for as long as the merger agreement is in effect.

        Ultratech's Dividend Policy.    Ultratech has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock. The merger agreement prohibits Ultratech from authorizing or paying dividends or making distributions on its capital stock, so Ultratech does not expect to pay dividends for as long as the merger agreement is in effect.

Risk Factors
(see page 38)

        Before voting at the special meeting, you should carefully consider all of the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, as well as the specific factors included under the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 38 of this proxy statement/prospectus before deciding whether to vote for approval of the Merger Proposal.

The Ultratech Special Meeting
(see page 47)

Time, Place and Purpose of the Special Meeting (see page 47)

        The special meeting of Ultratech stockholders will be held on May 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., local time, at the offices of O'Melveny & Myers LLP, located at 2765 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, California 94025.

        At the special meeting, holders of Ultratech common stock as of the record date will be asked to consider and approve the following proposals:

1.

The Merger Proposal



2.

The Compensation Proposal



3.

The Adjournment Proposal

Record Date and Quorum (see page 47)

        Only Ultratech stockholders of record as of the record date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting. As of the close of business on the record date, 27,242,013 shares of Ultratech common stock were issued and outstanding and there were 166 holders of record of the common stock. Each Ultratech stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of Ultratech common stock held by such stockholder as of the record date.

        Holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Ultratech common stock entitled to vote as of the record date must be present in person or represented by proxy at the special meeting in order to have the required quorum for transacting business. Abstentions are counted as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business.

Required Vote (see page 48)

        The affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Ultratech common stock entitled to vote as of the record date is required to approve the Merger Proposal. The affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of Ultratech common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the special meeting and entitled to vote on the matter is required to approve each of the Compensation Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal.

        If you abstain from voting, fail to vote at the special meeting, or fail to instruct your broker, bank or other nominee how to vote on the Merger Proposal, it will have the same effect as a vote cast against the Merger Proposal.

        If you abstain from voting or attend the special meeting and fail to vote, it will have the same effect as a vote cast against the Compensation Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal. If you do not attend the special meeting or fail to instruct your broker, bank or other nominee how to vote on the Compensation Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal, it will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the Compensation Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal, assuming a quorum is present.

Voting of Shares (see page 49)

        In addition to voting in person at the special meeting, if your shares of Ultratech common stock are held in your name by Ultratech's transfer agent as a stockholder of record, you, as an Ultratech stockholder, may submit a proxy as follows:

•

By Internet.  The web address and instructions for Internet proxy submission can be found on the enclosed proxy card. If you choose to submit your proxy by Internet, then you do not need to

return the proxy card. To be valid, your Internet proxy must be received by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) on the day preceding the special meeting.

•

By Telephone.  The toll-free number for telephone proxy submission can be found on the enclosed proxy card. If you choose to submit your proxy by telephone, then you do not need to return the proxy card. To be valid, your telephone proxy must be received by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) on the day preceding the special meeting.



•

By Mail.  Mark the enclosed proxy card, sign and date it, and return it in the pre-addressed postage-paid envelope provided with the enclosed proxy card, all in accordance with the instructions on the enclosed proxy card. To be valid, your proxy by mail must be received prior to the special meeting.

        Beneficial Owner.    If your shares of Ultratech common stock are held in "street name" by a broker, bank or other nominee, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares of Ultratech common stock. Your broker, bank or other nominee, as applicable, may establish an earlier deadline by which you must provide instructions to it for how to vote your shares of Ultratech common stock. You should read carefully the materials provided to you by your broker, bank or other nominee. Because a beneficial owner is not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares of Ultratech common stock at the special meeting unless you obtain a "legal proxy" from the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares of Ultratech common stock giving you the right to vote such shares of Ultratech common stock at the special meeting.

        If you satisfy the admission requirements to the special meeting, as described above under the heading "General Questions and Answers about the Special Meeting", you may vote your shares in person at the meeting. Even if you plan to attend the special meeting, we encourage you to vote in advance by Internet, telephone or mail so that your vote will be counted in the event you later decide not to attend the special meeting. Shares held through a benefit or compensation plan cannot be voted in person at the special meeting.

Revocation of Proxies (see page 50)

        If you are a stockholder of record as of the record date, you may change your vote:

•

by delivering to Ultratech (Attention: Corporate Secretary, 3050 Zanker Road, San Jose, California 95134), prior to your shares being voted at the special meeting, a later dated written notice of revocation or a later dated duly executed proxy card, or



•

by attending the special meeting and voting in person (although attendance at the special meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy).

        A stockholder of record who has voted on the Internet or by telephone may also change his or her vote by subsequently making a timely and valid Internet or telephone vote.

        If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in "street name" by a broker, bank or other nominee, you may revoke your proxy and vote your shares in person at the special meeting only in accordance with applicable rules and procedures as employed by such broker, bank or other nominee. If your shares are held in an account at a broker, bank or other nominee, you should contact your broker, bank or other nominee to change your vote.

The Merger

Effects of the Merger (see page 56)

        Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, Merger Subsidiary will be merged with and into Ultratech, and Ultratech will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and a wholly owned subsidiary of Veeco. From and after the effective time, the certificate of incorporation

and bylaws of Ultratech as the surviving corporation in the merger, unless otherwise directed by Veeco prior to the effective time, will be the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Merger Subsidiary as in effect immediately prior to the effective time.

Recommendation of the Ultratech Board; Ultratech's Reasons for the Merger (see page 70)

        The Ultratech board unanimously recommends that Ultratech stockholders vote "FOR" the Merger Proposal, "FOR" the Compensation Proposal, and "FOR" the Adjournment Proposal. For more information regarding the factors considered by the Ultratech board in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, see the section entitled "The Merger—Recommendation of the Ultratech Board; Ultratech's Reasons for the Merger" beginning on page 70 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Opinion of Ultratech's Financial Advisor (see page 75)

        In connection with the merger, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("BofA Merrill Lynch"), Ultratech's financial advisor, delivered to Ultratech's board of directors a written opinion, dated February 1, 2017, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinion, of the merger consideration to be received in the merger by holders of Ultratech common stock (other than Veeco, Merger Subsidiary and holders of dissenting shares). The full text of the written opinion, dated February 1, 2017, of BofA Merrill Lynch, which describes, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered and limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as Annex B to this document and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. BofA Merrill Lynch provided its opinion to Ultratech's board of directors (in its capacity as such) for the benefit and use of Ultratech's board of directors in connection with and for purposes of its evaluation of the merger consideration from a financial point of view. BofA Merrill Lynch's opinion does not address any other aspect of the merger and no opinion or view was expressed as to the relative merits of the merger in comparison to other strategies or transactions that might be available to Ultratech or in which Ultratech might engage or as to the underlying business decision of Ultratech to proceed with or effect the merger. BofA Merrill Lynch's opinion does not address any other aspect of the merger and does not constitute an opinion or recommendation to any stockholder as to how to vote or act in connection with the merger or any related matter.

Interests of Ultratech's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (see page 88)

        In considering the recommendation of the Ultratech board that the stockholders vote to approve the Merger Proposal, you should be aware that some of Ultratech's directors and executive officers may have interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of the stockholders generally. Interests of the directors and executive officers may be different from or in addition to the interests of our other stockholders for the following reasons, among others:

•

At or immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, each outstanding Ultratech Option will vest and be canceled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Ultratech common stock underlying the Ultratech Option and (ii) the excess, if any, of (A) the Equity Award Merger Consideration over (B) the exercise price per share subject to such canceled Ultratech Option. We estimate that the aggregate amount that would be payable to Ultratech's executive officers as a group for their Ultratech Options, assuming that the merger was completed on June 1, 2017 with a price per share of Ultratech common stock of $29.07, is approximately $4,921,856. Ultratech's non-employee directors hold no outstanding Ultratech Options. The assumed value of a share of Ultratech common stock of $29.07 is the sum of the fixed cash consideration of $21.75 plus an assumed value of $7.32 for the stock consideration (using 0.2675 of the closing stock price of Veeco common stock on Nasdaq on February 28, 2017 of $27.35 per share).

•

As of immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, each outstanding Ultratech Vested RSU will be canceled in exchange for the right to receive a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Ultratech common stock subject to such Ultratech Vested RSU and (ii) the Equity Award Merger Consideration. We estimate that the aggregate amount that would be payable to Ultratech's executive officers as a group and Ultratech's non-employee directors as a group for their Ultratech Vested RSUs, assuming that the merger was completed on June 1, 2017 with a price per share of Ultratech common stock of $29.07, is approximately $2,834,906 and $654,075, respectively.



•

At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding Ultratech Unvested RSU will be assumed by Veeco and converted into a number of Converted RSUs, rounded down to the nearest whole number, equal to the product of (i) the number of shares subject to the Ultratech Unvested RSU and (ii) the Equity Conversion Ratio. We estimate that the aggregate number of Converted RSUs deliverable to Ultratech's executive officers as a group for their Ultratech Unvested RSUs, assuming that the merger was completed on June 1, 2017 with a price per share of Ultratech common stock of $29.07 and a price per share of Veeco common stock of $27.35, is approximately 205,350. This represents approximately 0.5% of Veeco's current outstanding shares of common stock. Ultratech's non-employee directors hold no outstanding Ultratech Unvested RSUs.



•

Each of Ultratech's executive officers is party to either an employment agreement or change in control severance agreement that provides for severance benefits in the event of certain qualifying terminations of employment. We estimate that the aggregate amount that would be payable to Ultratech's executive officers as a group under their respective employment agreements and change in control severance agreements, assuming that the merger was completed on June 1, 2017 and their employment was terminated on that date in circumstances entitling them to severance benefits under their arrangements, is approximately $14,405,043 (not including the value of equity awards that accelerate at or immediately prior to the merger, which is disclosed above). These amounts are determined using the assumptions set forth in footnotes (1) and (3) of the table under the section entitled "—Quantification of Change in Control and Termination Payments and Benefits to Ultratech's Named Executive Officers" beginning on page 92 of this proxy statement/prospectus.



•

Ultratech's directors and executive officers are entitled to continued indemnification, expense advancement and insurance coverage under the merger agreement.

        These interests are discussed in more detail in the section entitled "The Merger—Interests of Ultratech's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 88 of this proxy statement/prospectus. The members of the Ultratech Board were aware of the different or additional interests described in such section and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the merger agreement and the merger, and in recommending to the stockholders that the Merger Proposal be approved.

Share Ownership and Voting by Ultratech Directors and Executive Officers (see page 49)

        As of the record date, the directors and executive officers of Ultratech held and are entitled to vote, in the aggregate, approximately 3.4% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding shares of Ultratech's common stock. All shares held by Ultratech's directors and executive officers are subject to the Support Agreement (as defined in the section entitled "The Support Agreement" beginning on page 125 of this proxy statement/prospectus). For more information on the Support Agreement, see the section entitled "The Support Agreement" beginning on page 125 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Listing of Shares of Veeco Common Stock; Delisting and Deregistration of Ultratech Common Stock (see page 95)

        Veeco is obligated to cause the shares of Veeco common stock to be issued to Ultratech stockholders pursuant to the merger to be authorized for listing on Nasdaq at the effective time, subject to official notice of issuance. Upon completion of the merger, shares of Ultratech common stock will cease to be listed on Nasdaq and will subsequently be deregistered under the Exchange Act.

        See the sections entitled "The Merger—Listing of Shares of Veeco Common Stock" beginning on page 94 of this proxy statement/prospectus and "The Merger—Delisting and Deregistration of Ultratech Common Stock" beginning on page 95 of this proxy statement/prospectus for a further discussion of the listing of shares of Veeco common stock and de-listing of Ultratech common stock in connection with the merger.

The Merger Agreement
(see page 100)

        The merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. Veeco and Ultratech encourage you to read the entire merger agreement carefully because it is the principal document governing the merger and the issuance of shares of Veeco common stock. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Merger Subsidiary will merge with and into Ultratech, with Ultratech surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Veeco.

Merger Consideration (see page 100)

        Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, at the effective time, each share of Ultratech common stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (other than (i) shares of Ultratech common stock owned by Veeco or Merger Subsidiary and shares of treasury stock held by Ultratech, which will be canceled without consideration, (ii) shares of Ultratech stock held by any subsidiary of either Ultratech or Veeco, which will be converted into such number of shares of common stock of the surviving corporation such that each subsidiary owns the same percentage of the surviving corporation immediately following the effective time as such subsidiary owned of Ultratech immediately prior to the effective time (such shares, together with the shares described in clause (i) are referred to as "excluded shares") and (iii) shares held by holders of Ultratech common stock, if any, who properly exercise their appraisal rights under the DGCL (which we refer to as "dissenting shares")) will be automatically cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount equal to (1) $21.75 in cash without interest (which we refer to as the "cash consideration"), (2) 0.2675 of a share of Veeco, par value $0.01 per share (which we refer to as the "stock consideration", and together with the cash consideration, the "merger consideration") and (3) cash in lieu of fractional shares of Veeco common stock as contemplated by the merger agreement. See the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Merger Consideration" beginning on page 100 of this proxy/statement prospectus for more information.

        Based on the number of shares of Ultratech common stock outstanding as of April 17, 2017, and the number of shares of Veeco common stock outstanding as of April 17, 2017, it is expected that, immediately after completion of the merger, former Ultratech stockholders will own approximately 15% of the outstanding shares of Veeco common stock.

Treatment of Ultratech Options and Other Equity-Based Awards (see page 101)

        Stock Options.    At or immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, each outstanding Ultratech Option will vest and be canceled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Ultratech common stock subject to such Ultratech Option immediately prior to the effective time and (ii) the excess, if any, of (A) the Equity Award Merger Consideration over (B) the exercise price per share subject to such canceled Ultratech Option.

Ultratech Options that have an exercise price per share that is greater than the Equity Award Merger Consideration will be canceled in exchange for no consideration. Veeco will cause the surviving corporation to pay the cash payment described above to the holder of the applicable Ultratech Option at or reasonably promptly after the effective time of the merger (but in no event later than three business days after the effective time). As used herein, "Equity Award Merger Consideration" means the sum of (i) the cash consideration and (ii) the amount obtained by multiplying the stock consideration by the volume weighted average trading price of Veeco's common stock for the five consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately preceding the closing date (the "Parent Measurement Price").

        Vested Restricted Stock Units.    At or immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, each outstanding Ultratech Vested RSU will be canceled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Ultratech common stock subject to such Ultratech Vested RSU immediately prior to the effective time and (ii) the Equity Award Merger Consideration. Veeco will cause the surviving corporation to pay the cash payment described above to the holder of the applicable Ultratech Vested RSU at or reasonably promptly after the effective time of the merger (but in no event later than three business days after the effective time).

        Unvested Restricted Stock Units.    At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding Ultratech Unvested RSU will be assumed by Veeco and converted into a number of Converted RSUs, rounded down to the nearest whole number, equal to the product of (i) the number of shares subject to the Ultratech Unvested RSU and (ii) the Equity Conversion Ratio. Any Converted RSUs so issued will be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the Ultratech Unvested RSUs; provided, that all references to "Company" in Ultratech's equity incentive plan and award agreements will be references to Veeco. As used herein, "Equity Conversion Ratio" means the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Equity Award Merger Consideration (as defined above) by (ii) the Parent Measurement Price.

        See the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Treatment of Ultratech Options and Other Equity-Based Awards" beginning on page 101 of this proxy statement.

Effect of the Merger; Effective Time (see page 102)

        Veeco and Ultratech expect the closing to occur during the second quarter of calendar year 2017. However, the merger is subject to various regulatory approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of other conditions, and it is possible that factors outside the control of Veeco and Ultratech could result in the merger being completed at an earlier time, a later time or not at all. In the merger agreement, Veeco and Ultratech have agreed that the date on which the closing occurs shall be no later than the first business day following the satisfaction or waiver of the last of the conditions to closing (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at closing, but subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permissible, waiver of those conditions), or at such other date and time as Veeco and Ultratech may mutually agree consistent with Delaware law.

Organizational Documents of the Surviving Corporation (see page 102)

        Unless otherwise determined by Veeco prior to the effective time, at the effective time, (1) the certificate of incorporation of Merger Subsidiary immediately prior to the effective time will be the certificate of incorporation of the surviving corporation from and after the effective time and (2) the bylaws of Merger Subsidiary immediately prior to the effective time will be the bylaws of the surviving corporation from and after the effective time.

Appraisal Rights (see page 103)

        Record holders of Ultratech common stock who do not vote in favor of the Merger Proposal and who otherwise comply with the requirements and procedures of Section 262 of the DGCL are entitled

to exercise appraisal rights, which generally entitle stockholders to receive in lieu of the merger consideration a cash payment of an amount determined by the Court of Chancery equal to the fair value of their Ultratech common stock. However, notwithstanding a stockholder's compliance with the DGCL in perfecting appraisal rights, Section 262(g) of the DGCL provides that, because immediately prior to the effective time of the merger Ultratech common stock will be listed on a national securities exchange, the Court of Chancery will dismiss the proceedings as to all holders of Ultratech common stock who are otherwise entitled to appraisal rights unless (1) the total number of shares entitled to appraisal exceeds 1% of the outstanding shares of the class or series eligible for appraisal or (2) the value of the consideration provided in the merger for such total number of shares exceeds $1 million. A summary description of the appraisal rights available to holders of Ultratech common stock under the DGCL and the procedures required to exercise statutory appraisal rights are included under the section entitled "The Merger—Appraisal Rights" beginning on page 103 of this proxy statement/prospectus. The full text of Section 262 of the DGCL is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus. Due to the complexity of the procedures described above, Ultratech stockholders who are considering exercising such rights are encouraged to seek the advice of legal counsel.

Conduct of Businesses of Ultratech and Veeco Prior to Completion of the Merger (see page 108)

        Ultratech has agreed, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the merger agreement, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries that it will conduct its business in the ordinary course of business prior to the effective time or earlier termination of the merger agreement, and has agreed to certain restrictions on its ability to take certain actions prior to the effective time or earlier termination of the merger agreement. Veeco has also agreed, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the merger agreement, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries that it will conduct its business in the ordinary course of business prior to the effective time or earlier termination of the merger agreement, and has agreed to certain restrictions on its ability to take certain actions prior to the effective time or earlier termination of the merger agreement. See the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Conduct of Businesses of Ultratech and Veeco Prior to Completion of the Merger" beginning on page 108 of this proxy statement/prospectus for more information.

Ultratech's Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers (see page 111)

        Subject to certain exceptions, the merger agreement provides that Ultratech will not, and will cause each of its subsidiaries and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, and investment bankers, attorneys, accountants or other advisors retained by Ultratech or its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "Ultratech representatives") not to, directly or indirectly:

•

solicit, initiate or knowingly facilitate or encourage the submission of any acquisition proposal;



•

enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, or furnish any non-public information or access relating to Ultratech or any of its subsidiaries to, any person with respect to an acquisition proposal or any inquiry or proposal that could reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal; or



•

enter into any agreement in principle, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, merger agreement, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement relating to an acquisition proposal.

        Subject to certain exceptions, the merger agreement provides that the Ultratech board may not fail to make, and may not withdraw, withhold, qualify or modify or resolve to or publicly propose to withdraw, withhold, qualify or modify in a manner adverse to Veeco, the recommendation of the Ultratech board with respect to the merger agreement or approve, endorse, or recommend or publicly propose to approve, endorse or recommend, an acquisition proposal.

        Ultratech has agreed to (1) immediately cease any discussions or negotiations with any person with respect to any acquisition proposal, (2) promptly terminate access of any third party to any electronic data room maintained by Ultratech and (3) request that any such third party promptly return or destroy all confidential information concerning Ultratech to the extent permitted pursuant to any confidentiality agreement entered into with such third party.

        Prior to adoption of the merger agreement by Ultratech's stockholders (and subject to certain notice requirements to Veeco), however, Ultratech may or any of the Ultratech representatives may, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement, provide non-public information and access relating to Ultratech and its subsidiaries pursuant to an acceptable confidentiality agreement to, and engage in discussions or negotiations with, a third party if such third party has made an unsolicited written bona fide acquisition proposal that did not result from any breach of the restrictions on Ultratech set forth above, and the Ultratech board determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisor and outside legal counsel, that such acquisition proposal would reasonably be expected to result in a superior proposal.

        See the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Ultratech's Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers" beginning on page 111 of this proxy statement/prospectus for more information.

Ultratech's Agreement Not to Change the Ultratech Board Recommendation (see page 113)

        Prior to adoption of the merger agreement by Ultratech's stockholders, if the Ultratech board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and in response to an unsolicited, written bona fide acquisition proposal that did not result from a breach of the restrictions on Ultratech set forth above, that such acquisition proposal is a superior proposal and the failure to take such action would be reasonably likely to result in a breach of its fiduciary duties under applicable law, the Ultratech board may make an adverse recommendation change or cause Ultratech to terminate the merger agreement in order to accept the superior proposal substantially concurrently with such termination, subject to complying with certain notice and other specified conditions set forth in the merger agreement, including giving Veeco the opportunity to make adjustments to the terms of the merger agreement in response to the superior proposal so that such proposal no longer constitutes a superior proposal. If the Ultratech board changes its recommendation with respect to the merger agreement, Veeco may terminate the merger agreement and collect a termination fee of $26.5 million.

        Prior to adoption of the merger agreement by Ultratech's stockholders, if Ultratech and the Ultratech representatives are in material compliance with the obligations described above and if the Ultratech board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and taking into account any discussions with Veeco required pursuant to the merger agreement, that the failure to take such action would be reasonably likely to result in a breach of its fiduciary duties under applicable law, the Ultratech board may make an adverse recommendation change in response to any fact, event, change, development or set of circumstances that materially affects the business, financial condition or results of operations of Ultratech or its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that does not involve or relate to an acquisition proposal, Veeco or any of its affiliates or their respective representatives and was not known and was not reasonably discoverable or foreseeable by the Ultratech board or the consequences of which were not reasonably discoverable or foreseeable to the Ultratech board, in each case, as of the date of the merger agreement, subject to complying with certain notice and other specified conditions set forth in the merger agreement, including giving Veeco the opportunity to make adjustments to the terms of the merger agreement. Additionally, any determination by the Ultratech board following the date of the merger agreement that the merger consideration payable in the merger is not sufficient will not in and of itself constitute grounds to make a change of recommendation pursuant to this paragraph. In addition, a change in the trading price of Veeco common stock or Ultratech common stock will not in and of itself constitute grounds to make a change of recommendation pursuant to this

paragraph (though the underlying facts giving rise or contributing to the change in the trading price of Ultratech common stock may be taken into account).

        See the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Ultratech's Agreement Not to Change the Ultratech Board Recommendation" beginning on page 113 of this proxy statement/prospectus for more information.

Regulatory Filings (see page 115)

        Veeco and Ultratech have each agreed to take certain actions in order to obtain regulatory clearances required to consummate the merger (provided, that neither Veeco, Ultratech nor any of their respective subsidiaries will be required to take any action that constitutes a "Detriment" (as defined in the Merger Agreement)). The merger is subject to the HSR Act. Under this statute, Veeco and Ultratech are required to make pre-merger notification filings and await the expiration or early termination of the statutory waiting period prior to completing the merger. Veeco and Ultratech completed the initial HSR Act filings on February 9, 2017. On February 17, 2017, Veeco and Ultratech received notice from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that it had granted early termination, effective immediately, of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act with respect to the merger. See the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Reasonable Best Efforts to Consummate the Merger; Regulatory Filings" beginning on page 115 of this proxy statement/prospectus for more information.

Financing (see page 119)

        In the merger agreement, Veeco and Merger Subsidiary have represented and warranted to Ultratech that (assuming the accuracy of Ultratech's representations related to available cash of Ultratech in the United States at closing) they have available, and will have available at or promptly after the effective time, cash or other sources of immediately available funds in an amount, together with the available cash of Ultratech in the United States at closing, sufficient to enable Veeco to satisfy all of Veeco's and Merger Subsidiary's obligations under the merger agreement. Also in the merger agreement, Ultratech has represented and warranted to Veeco and Merger Subsidiary that it and its subsidiaries will have, on a consolidated basis, at least $180,000,000 of available cash held in the United States at closing. The closing is not subject to a financing condition. See the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Financing" beginning on page 119 of this proxy statement/prospectus for more information.

Conditions to Closing (see page 119)

        The obligations of Ultratech, Veeco and Merger Subsidiary to effect the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permitted by applicable law and other than the first condition below with respect to stockholder approval and adoption of the merger agreement which may not be waived by any party) at or prior to the effective time of each of the following conditions:

•

adoption of the merger agreement the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Ultratech common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting;



•

the absence of any temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other judgment that has been issued by any court of competent jurisdiction is pending or in effect that enjoins or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the merger;



•

the receipt of all required approvals and the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period (or extensions thereof) applicable to the merger under the HSR Act;



•

the Form S-4 having become effective under the Securities Act and the Form S-4 not being the subject of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Form S-4 issued by the SEC or proceedings initiated by the SEC in connection with any stop order; and

•

the shares of Veeco common stock issuable in connection with the merger having been authorized for listing on Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance.

        The obligations of Veeco and Merger Subsidiary to effect the merger are subject to the satisfaction or (to the extent permitted by applicable law) waiver at or prior to the effective time of the following further conditions:

•

the performance by Ultratech in all material respects of its obligations under the merger agreement required to be performed at or prior to the effective time;



•

the representations and warranties of Ultratech (other than certain representations with respect to corporate existence and power, corporate authorization, capitalization, finders' fees, available cash, and antitakeover statutes) contained in the merger agreement are true and correct in all respects (without giving effect to any limitation indicated by the words or phrases "Company Material Adverse Effect," "in all material respects," "material," or "materially" in such representations or warranties) as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the date on which the closing takes place as if made at and as of such time (except those representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a particular earlier date, in which case as of that date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a "Company Material Adverse Effect", (ii) certain representations and warranties of Ultratech contained in the merger agreement with respect to capitalization are true and correct (other than de minimis inaccuracies) as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the date on which the closing takes place as if made at and as of such time (except those representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a particular earlier date, in which case as of that date), (iii) the representations and warranties of Ultratech contained in the merger agreement with respect to corporate existence and power, corporate authorization, finders' fees and antitakeover statutes are true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the date on which the closing takes place as if made at and as of such time (except those representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a particular earlier date, in which case as of that date) and (iv) the representations and warranties of Ultratech contained in the merger agreement with respect to available cash are true and correct in all respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the date on which the closing takes place as if made at and as of such time;



•

since February 2, 2017, a "Company Material Adverse Effect" (as defined in the merger agreement and described under "—Material Adverse Effect") shall not have occurred; and



•

the delivery by Ultratech to Veeco of a certificate, dated as of the date on which the closing takes place and signed by the chief executive officer or another senior officer of Ultratech, certifying that the conditions set forth in the above bullets have been satisfied.

        The obligation of Ultratech to effect the merger is further subject to the satisfaction or (to the extent permitted by applicable law) waiver at or prior to the effective time of the following further conditions:

•

the performance by each of Veeco and Merger Subsidiary in all material respects of its obligations under the merger agreement required to be performed at or prior to the effective time;



•

the representations and warranties of Veeco and Merger Subsidiary (other than certain representations with respect to corporate existence and power, corporate authorization, capitalization, financing, certain arrangements and finders' fees) contained in the merger agreement are true and correct in all respects (without giving effect to any limitation indicated by the words or phrases "Parent Material Adverse Effect," "in all material respects," "material,"

or "materially" in such representations or warranties) as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the date on which the closing takes place as if made at and as of such time (except those representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a particular earlier date, in which case as of that date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a "Parent Material Adverse Effect", (ii) certain representations and warranties of Veeco and Merger Subsidiary contained in the merger agreement with respect to capitalization are true and correct (other than de minimis inaccuracies) as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the date on which the closing takes place as if made at and as of such time (except those representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a particular earlier date, in which case as of that date) and (iii) the representations and warranties of Veeco and Merger Subsidiary contained in the merger agreement with respect to corporate existence and power, corporate authorization, financing, certain arrangements and finders' fees are true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the date on which the closing takes place as if made at and as of such time (except those representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a particular earlier date, in which case as of that date);

•

since February 2, 2017, a "Parent Material Adverse Effect" (as defined in the Merger Agreement and described under "—Material Adverse Effect") shall not have occurred; and



•

the delivery by Veeco to Ultratech of a certificate, dated as of the date on which the closing takes place and signed by the chief executive officer or another senior officer of Veeco, certifying that the conditions set forth in the above bullets have been satisfied.

        See the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Closing" beginning on page 119 of this proxy statements/prospectus for more information.

Termination of the Merger Agreement (see page 121)

        The merger agreement may be terminated:

1.

At any time prior to the effective time by the mutual written agreement of the Ultratech and Veeco;



2.

At any time prior to the effective time, by either Veeco or Ultratech (upon written notice to the other party) if:



•

the merger has not been consummated on or before the date that is 270 days after the date of the merger agreement (such date, as it may be extended pursuant to the merger agreement, the "end date"); provided that this termination right will not be available to any party whose breach of any provision of the merger agreement has been the primary cause of, or primarily resulted in, the failure of the merger to be consummated on by the end date;



•

any restraint issued by any court of competent jurisdiction shall be in effect that permanently enjoins or otherwise permanently prohibits the consummation of the merger, and such restraint has become final and non-appealable; provided that the right to terminate the merger agreement pursuant to this termination right will not be available to any party unless such party is in material compliance with its obligations described in the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Reasonable Best Efforts to Consummate the Merger" beginning on page 115 of this proxy statement/prospectus; or



•

if the special meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) has concluded and the approval of the merger agreement by Ultratech's stockholders has not been

obtained; provided that this termination right will not be available to Ultratech if the failure to obtain the approval of Ultratech's stockholders was due to Ultratech's failure to perform any of its obligations under the merger agreement or a breach of the Support Agreement described in the section entitled "The Support Agreement" beginning on page 125 of this proxy statement/prospectus by any party thereto other than Veeco.

3.

By Veeco (upon written notice to Ultratech) if:



•

prior to obtaining the Ultratech stockholder approval, the Ultratech board has failed to make its recommendation in favor of the merger in the preliminary version of this proxy statement/prospectus, failed to include its recommendation of the merger in this proxy statement/prospectus at all times after the filing of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, failed to publicly reaffirm its recommendation in favor of the merger in accordance with the merger agreement or effected a change of its recommendation in favor of the merger, whether or not permitted by the terms of the merger agreement; or



•

Ultratech has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements under the merger agreement, which breach or failure would result in a failure of certain of the conditions to the consummation of the merger and such breach cannot be cured, or if capable of cure, has not been cured, by the date that is two business days before the end date; provided that this termination right will not be available to Veeco if Veeco's breach of any provision of the merger agreement would cause certain of the conditions to the merger set forth in the merger agreement not to be satisfied.



4.

By Ultratech (upon written notice to Veeco) if:



•

prior to receipt of the Ultratech stockholder approval if, concurrently with such termination, Ultratech (i) enters into an alternative acquisition agreement that constitutes a superior proposal in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement and (ii) pays to Veeco a termination fee of $26.5 million; or



•

Veeco has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements under the merger agreement, which breach or failure would result in a failure of certain of the conditions to the consummation of the merger and such breach cannot be cured, or if capable of cure, has not been cured, by the date that is two business days before the end date; provided that this termination right will not be available to Ultratech if Ultratech's breach of any provision of the merger agreement would cause certain of the conditions to the merger set forth in the merger agreement not to be satisfied.

        See the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement" beginning on page 121 of this proxy statement/prospectus for more information.

Termination Fee Payable by Ultratech (see page 123)

        Ultratech will be required to pay Veeco a termination fee of $26.5 million in cash in the following circumstances:

•

in the event the merger agreement is terminated by Veeco prior to obtaining the Ultratech stockholder approval because the Ultratech board has failed to make its recommendation in favor of the merger in the preliminary version of this proxy statement/prospectus, failed to include its recommendation of the merger in this proxy statement/prospectus at all times after the filing of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, failed to publicly reaffirm its recommendation in favor of the merger in accordance with the merger agreement or effected a

change of its recommendation in favor of the merger, whether or not permitted by the terms of the merger agreement;

•

in the event the merger agreement is terminated by Ultratech prior to receipt of the Ultratech stockholder approval in order for Ultratech to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement that constitutes a superior proposal; or



•

if after the date of the merger agreement, any "qualifying transaction" (which is an acquisition proposal, measured at a 50% threshold rather than a 20% threshold) is publicly made or announced and not withdrawn on or prior to the date that is five business days before the date of the special meeting, thereafter (a) Ultratech or Veeco terminates the merger agreement because the Ultratech stockholder approval has not been obtained, (b) Veeco terminates the merger agreement because the merger has not been consummated on or before the end date or (c) Veeco terminates the merger agreement because Ultratech has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements under the merger agreement, Ultratech consummates a transaction regarding, or executes a definitive agreement with respect to, an qualifying transaction (whether or not it is the same qualifying transaction originally made or publicly announced prior to the special meeting).

        In no event will Ultratech be obligated to pay such $26.5 million termination fee on more than one occasion.

        See the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Termination Fee Payable by Ultratech" beginning on page 123 of this proxy statement/prospectus for more information.

The Support Agreement
(see page 125)

        Pursuant to a Support Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2017 (the "Support Agreement") among Veeco and the members of the Ultratech board and Ultratech's executive officers (the "supporting stockholders"), during the period commencing on the date of the Support Agreement and continuing until the first to occur of (i) the effective time, (ii) the date and time of termination of the merger agreement, and (iii) the date and time, if any, at which the Ultratech board makes a change in recommendation, each supporting stockholder has agreed, among other things, to (A) appear at the special meeting (or any other meeting of Ultratech's stockholders called in connection with the merger agreement) or cause such supporting stockholder's shares of Ultratech common stock, including any shares acquired by such supporting stockholder after the date of the Support Agreement (collectively, the "subject shares"), to be counted as present at such meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum and (B) to vote (or cause to be voted) the subject shares (1) in favor of granting the Ultratech stockholder approval, approving the merger, adopting the merger agreement, and approving any other transaction document, any other transaction pursuant to or contemplated by the merger agreement, and any other matter that could reasonably be expected to facilitate the consummation of the merger and (2) against any acquisition proposal (other than the merger agreement and the merger) and any other matter that would reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely affect the consummation of the merger or any of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement

        As of the close of business on April 20, 2017, the supporting stockholders owned in the aggregate 929,838 shares of Ultratech common stock (not including any shares of Ultratech common stock subject to Ultratech stock options or Ultratech RSUs), all of which are subject to the Support Agreement, representing approximately 3.4% of the shares of Ultratech common stock outstanding as of such date.

        The Support Agreement will terminate on the earlier of (i) the effective time and (ii) the termination of the merger agreement. Each supporting stockholder has entered into the Support

Agreement solely in such supporting stockholder's capacity as stockholder of Ultratech and not in any other capacity.

        See the section entitled "The Support Agreement" beginning on page 125 of this proxy statement/prospectus for more information.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
(see page 125)

        The merger will be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, a U.S. Holder (as defined in the section entitled "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences" beginning on page 126 of this proxy statement/prospectus) of shares of Ultratech common stock generally will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between (1) the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of the shares of Veeco common stock received and (2) the holder's tax basis in the shares of Ultratech common stock exchanged in the merger.

        Any such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period in the Ultratech common stock immediately prior to the merger is more than one year. For U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts, long-term capital gain generally is taxed at preferential U.S. federal rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

        A U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in the shares of Veeco common stock received in the merger equal to the fair market value of such shares. The holding period for shares of Veeco common stock received in exchange for shares of Ultratech common stock in the merger will begin on the date immediately following the closing date.

        A Non-U.S. Holder (as defined in the section entitled "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences" beginning on page 126 of this proxy statement/prospectus) generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to the exchange of shares of Ultratech common stock for cash and shares of Veeco common stock in the merger unless such Non-U.S. Holder has certain connections to the United States.

        The U.S. federal income tax consequences described above may not apply to all holders of Ultratech common stock, including certain holders specifically referred to on page 128. Your tax consequences will depend on your own situation. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the particular tax consequences of the merger to you.

Accounting Treatment
(see page 129)

        Veeco prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus as GAAP). The merger will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Veeco will be treated as the acquiror for accounting purposes.

Comparison of Stockholders' Rights
(see page 135)

        Ultratech stockholders, whose rights are currently governed by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ultratech (the "Ultratech Charter") and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Ultratech (as amended, the "Ultratech Bylaws") will, upon receipt of Veeco common stock in the merger, upon completion of the merger, become stockholders of Veeco and their rights will be governed by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Veeco (the "Veeco Charter") and the Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Veeco (the "Veeco Bylaws"). The differences between the Ultratech governing documents and the Veeco governing documents are described in detail under the section entitled "Comparison of Stockholders' Rights" beginning on page 135 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

THE COMPANIES

Veeco Instruments Inc.

        Veeco creates process equipment that enables technologies for a cleaner and more productive world. Veeco designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supports thin film equipment to meet the demands of key global trends such as improving energy efficiency, enhancing mobility, and increasing connectivity. Veeco's equipment is used to make electronic devices which enable these trends, including light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), micro-electromechanical systems ("MEMS"), wireless devices, power electronics, hard disk drives ("HDDs"), and semiconductor devices. Veeco's products are sold to semiconductor and advanced packaging device manufacturers, and Veeco may also license its technology to its customers or partners.

        Veeco develops highly differentiated, "best-in-class" equipment for critical performance steps in thin film processing. Veeco's products provide leading technology at low cost-of-ownership. Core competencies in advanced thin film technologies and decades of specialized process know-how help Veeco stay at the forefront of these rapidly advancing industries.

        Veeco's portfolio of technology solutions sell into four key market areas: Lighting, Display & Power Electronics; Advanced Packaging, MEMS & Radio Frequency; Scientific & Industrial; and Data Storage.

        Veeco was organized as a Delaware corporation in 1989. Veeco's headquarters are located at 1 Terminal Drive, Plainview, New York 11803, and its telephone number is (516) 677-0200. Veeco has sales and service operations across the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and North America to address its customers' needs. Veeco's website is www.veeco.com. The information on Veeco's website is not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 143 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Ultratech, Inc.

        Ultratech designs, builds and markets manufacturing systems for the global technology industry. Founded in 1979, Ultratech serves three core markets: frontend semiconductor, backend semiconductor, and nanotechnology. Ultratech is the leading supplier of lithography products for bump packaging of integrated circuits and high-brightness LEDs. Ultratech is also the market leader and pioneer of LSA technology for the production of advanced semiconductor devices. In addition, Ultratech offers solutions leveraging its proprietary CGS technology to the semiconductor wafer inspection market and provides ALD tools to leading research organizations, including academic and industrial institutions.

        The principal executive offices of Ultratech are located at 3050 Zanker Road, San Jose, California 95134, and its telephone number is (408) 321-8835. Additional information about Ultratech and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 143 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Ulysses Acquisition Subsidiary Corp.

        Merger Subsidiary is a wholly owned subsidiary of Veeco and is a Delaware corporation. Merger Subsidiary was formed on February 1, 2017, for the sole purpose of effecting the merger. In the merger, Merger Subsidiary will be merged with and into Ultratech, with Ultratech surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Veeco. The principal executive offices of Merger Subsidiary are located at 1 Terminal Drive, Plainview, New York 11803, and its telephone number is (516) 677-0200.

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF VEECO

        The following tables present selected historical consolidated financial data of Veeco as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012. The consolidated financial statements of Veeco have been presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

        The selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016 are derived from Veeco's audited consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2013 are derived from Veeco's audited consolidated financial statements not included or incorporated by reference herein.

        The financial information set forth below is only a summary that should be read in conjunction with the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 38 of this proxy statement/prospectus and Veeco's consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, as well as the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained in Veeco's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 that Veeco previously filed with the SEC and that is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of any results to be expected in the future. See also the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 143 of this proxy statement/prospectus for the location of information incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF ULTRATECH

        The following tables present selected historical consolidated financial data of Ultratech as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012. The consolidated financial statements of Ultratech have been presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

        The selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016 are derived from Ultratech's audited consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2013 are derived from Ultratech's audited consolidated financial statements not included or incorporated by reference herein.

        The financial information set forth below is only a summary that should be read in conjunction with the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 38 of this proxy statement/prospectus and Ultratech's consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, as well as the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained in Ultratech's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 that Ultratech previously filed with the SEC and that is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of any results to be expected in the future. See also the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 143 of this proxy statement/prospectus for the location of information incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Table of Contents

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Introduction

        The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is presented to illustrate the estimated effects of the pending merger of Merger Subsidiary with and into Ultratech with Ultratech continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Veeco and the related financing transactions, which were announced on February 2, 2017.

        The merger has not yet closed. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Veeco is offering to acquire each outstanding share of Ultratech common stock (other than (i) shares of Ultratech common stock owned by Veeco or Merger Subsidiary and shares of treasury stock held by Ultratech, which will be canceled without consideration, (ii) shares of Ultratech stock held by any subsidiary of either Ultratech or Veeco, which will be converted into such number of shares of common stock of the surviving corporation such that each subsidiary owns the same percentage of the surviving corporation immediately following the effective time as such subsidiary owned of Ultratech immediately prior to the effective time (such shares, together with the shares described in clause (i) are referred to as "excluded shares") and (iii) shares held by holders of Ultratech common stock, if any, who properly exercise their appraisal rights under the DGCL (which we refer to as "dissenting shares")) in exchange for $21.75 in cash and 0.2675 of a share of Veeco common stock, which is referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus as the merger consideration.

Pro Forma Information

        The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 combine the historical consolidated statements of operations of Veeco and Ultratech both for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 combines the historical consolidated balance sheet of Veeco as of December 31, 2016 with Ultratech as of December 31, 2016, giving effect to the merger as if it had occurred on December 31, 2016. The historical consolidated financial information has been adjusted in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information to give effect to pro forma events that are (i) directly attributable to the merger, (ii) factually supportable and (iii) with respect to the statements of operations, expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared by Veeco using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with GAAP.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is based on and should be read in conjunction with the following historical consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, which are incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus:

•

separate historical financial statements of Veeco as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the related notes included in Veeco's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016 on Form 10-K and



•

separate historical financial statements of Ultratech as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the related notes included in Ultratech's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016 on Form 10-K.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information reflects the estimated aggregate consideration of approximately $820.4 million for the acquisition, as calculated below (in thousands, except number of shares and price per share):

        In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, the actual consolidated financial statements of Veeco will reflect the Ultratech acquisition only from and after the date of the completion of the acquisition. Veeco has performed a preliminary valuation analysis of the fair value of Ultratech's assets to be acquired and liabilities to be assumed. The assets and liabilities of Ultratech have been measured based on various preliminary estimates using assumptions that Veeco believes are reasonable based on information that is currently available. Differences between these preliminary estimates and the final acquisition accounting will occur, and those differences could have a material impact on the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and the combined company's future results of operations and financial position. The pro forma adjustments are preliminary and have been made solely for the purpose of providing unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC.

        Veeco intends to commence the necessary valuation and other studies required to complete the acquisition accounting promptly upon consummation of the merger and will finalize the acquisition accounting as soon as practicable within the required measurement period in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, but in no event later than one year following consummation of the merger.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been presented for informational purposes only. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not purport to represent the actual results of operations that Veeco and Ultratech would have achieved had the companies been combined during this period and is not intended to project the future results of operations that the combined company may achieve after the merger. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not reflect the realization of any cost savings following consummation of the merger and also does not reflect any related restructuring and integration charges to achieve those cost savings or any charges that may be incurred as a result of double trigger change in control provisions that may be met subsequent to the acquisition.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands)