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BLOOMBERG says STMicroelectronics may bid to acquire Fairfield Semiconductor International, in order to boost growth and shore up its digital products business.
Citing "people familiar with the matter", Bloomberg says Europe biggest semiconductor company is exploring an offer for the US-based chipmaker, with analysis focusing on the benefits of the acquisition versus using the funds to focus on improving profitability and managing costs.
Current challenges for STMicroelectronics include waning personal computer demand, and competition from rivals such as Texas Instruments. The digital business in particular contains to sustain losses.
Fairchild, which makes semiconductors that regulate power in electronics, chips for cars and electronic signal converters, has hired Goldman Sachs to help it find a buyer. Potential suiters include ON Semiconductor and Infineon Technologies.
Thus far in 2016, the semiconductor manufacturing industry has seen more than US$76 billion worth of mergers and acquisitions, the highest annual tally on recor