Broadcom, a U.S. semiconductor and network equipment corporation, is reported to be interested in acquiring the business unit of Intel, which represents the U.S. semiconductor industry.
On the 15th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) cited anonymous sources saying that Broadcom closely examined Intel's chip design and marketing institutional sector and discussed the possibility of an informal bid with its internal advisory team.
However, Broadcom plans to make an acquisition offer only if it secures a partner in Intel's manufacturing institutional sector, and it has not yet made an official proposal to Intel.
Earlier, Bloomberg News cited sources saying that Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest foundry corporation, is reviewing a plan to acquire and operate Intel's factory at the request of the Trump administration. WSJ explained that Broadcom is not in a collaborative relationship with TSMC and is conducting a separate review.
WSJ noted that just a short while ago, such discussions seemed unimaginable and analyzed that if an acquisition agreement is reached, Intel, which has led the U.S. semiconductor industry, could be split in two. This aligns with the trend in the semiconductor industry to separate manufacturing from design.
Sources reported that Frank Yeary, the interim chair of Intel's board, is leading discussions with potential acquisition corporations and Trump administration officials, focusing on maximizing shareholder interests.
Intel is searching for a successor to Pat Gelsinger, who stepped down from the CEO position at the end of last year, and the new CEO's primary duty is expected to be deciding which institutional sector to keep after the divestiture.
Meanwhile, regarding the possibility of TSMC acquiring Intel's factory equity, a White House official stated in an interview with Reuters that it is unlikely President Trump would support a proposal for a foreign corporation to operate Intel's factory.
Taiwanese media, including the United Daily News, cited anonymous experts predicting that foreign shareholders holding more than 70% of TSMC equity would be unlikely to pass the shareholders' meeting due to opposition to cooperation with Intel.
Intel, Broadcom, TSMC, and the White House did not clarify their positions in response to a request for comment from Reuters.