Qualcomm Mulls Purchase Of Intel Chip-Design Business

Qualcomm has considered acquiring parts of Intel's design business in an effort to enhance its product portfolio, according to sources familiar with the discussions, Anirban Sen, Max A. Cherney, Milana Vinn, and Mike Spector reported for Reuters.

Intel’s client PC design business has attracted significant interest from Qualcomm executives, though they are considering all of Intel's design units. I Photo: Nathan Rupert Flickr

The mobile chipmaker has been examining the possibility of acquiring different sections of Intel, which is currently looking to shed business units and raise cash through asset sales, the sources said.

Intel’s client PC design business has attracted significant interest from Qualcomm executives, though they are considering all of Intel's design units.

Other segments of Intel, such as its server business, are less likely to appeal to Qualcomm, according to one of the sources.

An Intel spokesperson stated that Intel is "deeply committed to our PC business" and confirmed that Qualcomm had not yet approached the company. Qualcomm, valued at $184 billion and best known for its smartphone chips, has been planning to acquire parts of Intel for several months.