Qualcomm Rethinking Plans to Purchase Intel

Following much-hyped rumors it was investigating an Intel takeover, the latest reports suggest Qualcomm is no longer interested in a full buyout, but still considering some options....
Qualcomm Rethinking Plans to Purchase Intel
Written by Matt Milano
  • Following much-hyped rumors it was investigating an Intel takeover, the latest reports suggest Qualcomm is no longer interested in a full buyout, but still considering some options.

    Intel has been struggling for the last several years, with a high-profile turnaround attempt by CEO Pat Gelsinger seeing only mixed results. Reports surfaced in late September that Qualcomm was looking to purchase Intel, following earlier reports that the company was interested in Intel’s semiconductor design business.

    An Intel takeover would give Qualcomm access to advanced foundry tech, giving the company more independence in its chip business. Simultaneously, a potential Qualcomm takeover was seen by some as a viable option to help Intel remain a major player in the semiconductor industry, especially with semiconductors becoming an area of growing national security concern, with the US government eager to bolster domestic chip production.

    According to a new report by Bloomberg, however, Qualcomm appears to be reconsidering a possible deal. Interestingly, the outlet’s sources within the company say Qualcomm may still be interested in acquiring select pieces of Intel’s business that best align with its current needs and future direction.

    Given Intel’s current market capitalization, which is just north of $100 billion, the deal may simply be too expensive for Qualcomm. In addition, Intel is a massive company, making full integration between the two companies a challenging ordeal at best.

    It’s unclear where this latest development leaves Intel. Earlier reports indicated the company’s leadership was receptive to a Qualcomm deal, indicating that even Intel’s executives saw it as a viable option for turning the company around.

    Absent a deal, Intel’s path forward remains unclear, although it may accelerate talks among lawmakers about a possible bailout.

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