Globalfoundries has signed a definitive agreement under which it will acquire IBM's semiconductor business. Under the terms of the deal, Globalfoundries will also become the exclusive provider to IBM of server processors at the 22, 14 and 10nm nodes for the next 10 years.
"This acquisition solidifies Globalfoundries' leadership position in semiconductor technology development and manufacturing," said Dr. Sanjay Jha. "We can now offer our customers a broader range of differentiated leading edge 3D transistor and RF technologies and will also improve our design ecosystem to accelerate time to revenue for our customers. This acquisition further strengthens advanced manufacturing in the United States and builds on established relationships in New York and Vermont."
IBM will continue a previously announced $3billion investment in semiconductor technology research to lead in the next generation of computing and Globalfoundries will have primary access to results.
The deal gives Globalfoundries a huge range of IP, including thousands of patents. It will also benefit from acquiring IBM technologists.
IBM, meanwhile, says the deal will allow it to focus on fundamental semiconductor research and the development of a range of future systems.
The agreement calls for Globalfoundries to acquire and operate IBM's manufacturing operations and facilities in New York and Vermont, as well as its commercial microelectronics business.
Author
Graham Pitcher
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk