Rumor: Qualcomm to Buy Atheros
Qualcomm Inc. (Nasdaq: QCOM) could be on the verge of buying Atheros Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHR) for $45 per share, or roughly $3.5 billion, The New York Times reported Tuesday afternoon.
Atheros was trading flat at about $37 per share Tuesday before the rumors hit the street after 3 p.m. EST. Atheros closed the day up $6.98 (19%) at $44 per share.
Why this matters
Qualcomm is a big deal in cell phones, of course, but the world seems to be getting more interested in tablet computers. Atheros's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies would help Qualcomm secure some footing there; a merger would also give Qualcomm a stronger presence in laptop computers and netbooks.
Qualcomm might also be trying to go on the offense after seeing recent acquisitions by Broadcom Corp. (Nasdaq: BRCM) and Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC).
For more
Here's a glimpse of what Atheros and Qualcomm have been up to lately.
AT&T Snaps Up Qualcomm's LTE Spectrum
FLO TV Alive, But Not Well
Qualcomm Updates on India Exit Plan
Broadcom vs. Qualcomm Goes Femto
Atheros Unveils Hybrid Home Network Chips
Qualcomm Gets Social With iSkoot Buy
Broadcom to Buy a 4G Strategy Via Beceem
Qualcomm vs. Verizon
Intel Looks to Infineon for the Full SOC
Atheros to Acquire Opulan
— Craig Matsumoto, West Coast Editor, Light Reading
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