Rumor: Qualcomm to Buy Atheros

Craig Matsumoto, Editor-in-Chief, Light Reading

January 4, 2011

1 Min Read
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

About the Author(s)

Craig Matsumoto

Editor-in-Chief, Light Reading

Yes, THAT Craig Matsumoto – who used to be at Light Reading from 2002 until 2013 and then went away and did other stuff and now HE'S BACK! As Editor-in-Chief. Go Craig!!

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