UK Antitrust Regulator Scrutinizes Synopsys' $34 Billion Ansys Deal

The UK's antitrust watchdog will investigate Synopsys Inc.’s $34 billion acquisition of software developer Ansys Inc., amid potential competition concerns, Katharine Gemmell reported for Bloomberg News.

Synopsys, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, develops software for semiconductor designSynopsys, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, develops software for semiconductor design. I Photo: Synopsys Facebook

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced Friday it had opened a formal "phase one" merger probe into the acquisition, with a decision deadline of Dec. 20 on whether to escalate the review to an in-depth investigation.

Synopsys, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, develops software for semiconductor design, while Ansys, based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, specializes in simulation software used by engineers to predict real-world product performance.

The acquisition, announced in January, aims to expand Synopsys' customer base and enhance its product lineup. According to the agreement, Ansys shareholders will receive $197 in cash and 0.345 shares of Synopsys stock per share.

“We remain confident in a positive resolution of the ongoing regulatory review processes, and we continue to expect the transaction to close in the first half of 2025,” a Synopsys spokesperson said.