Skyworks Acquires SiGE Semiconductor

Last month, Skyworks Solutions, Inc. signed a definitive agreement to purchase SiGe semiconductor. The transaction has been approved by both Skyworks' and SiGe's boards of directors. Subject to customary closing conditionsincluding the receipt of domestic and foreign regulatory approvalsit is anticipated to close by the end of this month.

SiGe's portfolio of RF front-end offerings target IEEE 802.11b/g/a/n, Bluetooth, WiMaX, GPS, and ZigBee systems. As a result, the acquisition should enable Skyworks to offer a wireless-networking product portfolio that supports all key operating frequencies. The firm also will have the architectural flexibility to address a variety of high-growth applications. For example, Skyworks will be able to expand its addressable-content opportunities within several product areas, including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, notebook PCs, and home-automation systems.

Per the agreement, Skyworks will pay $210 million in cash, plus an additional $65 million if certain performance targets are met over the next 12 months. Excluding any non-recurring acquisition-related charges and the amortization of acquired intangibles, Skyworks expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to non-GAAP earnings. The company will finalize estimates of the transaction's financial impact, as well as the accounting for the transaction, upon the close of the deal.

With customers demanding power optimization in addition to wireless connectivity, Skyworks followed this announcement by signing a definitive agreement to purchase Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc. This analog semiconductor company focuses on enabling energy-efficient devices for the consumer-electronics, computing, and communications markets. This acquisition expands Skyworks' portfolio with products like battery chargers, DC/DC converters, voltage regulators, and light-emitting-diode (LED) drivers.