IRVINE, Calif. -- Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a leading provider of highly integrated semiconductor solutions enabling broadband communications, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire WIDCOMM, Inc., a privately-held, San Diego-based company that is the leading provider of software solutions for Bluetooth(R) wireless products. The combination of WIDCOMM's industry-leading software and Broadcom's leading Bluetooth semiconductor portfolio enables Broadcom to provide the industry's most complete and optimized system solutions. With WIDCOMM(R) software shipping in nearly 100 end products from more than 80 customers, the acquisition also instantly enlarges Broadcom's customer base.
Every Bluetooth device requires a software stack, and WIDCOMM's stacks have been broadly adopted within the Bluetooth industry, providing the highest level of assured interoperability. Leading systems and silicon providers rely on WIDCOMM's software to enable cable-free communications between mobile phones, headsets, handheld computers, mice and keyboards, and multiple other products. WIDCOMM boasts an extensive set of top-tier customers in the Bluetooth industry, including Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Logitech, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony, among many others. WIDCOMM's software also includes a complete suite of Bluetooth usage profiles, providing vital device-specific functionality for nearly every major Bluetooth chip vendor. With its leading position in Windows(R)-based as well as embedded implementations, WIDCOMM's footprint in the Bluetooth space is unmatched by any other third-party software supplier, with an estimated market share of greater than 50% of all PC Bluetooth designs, according to internal company estimates.
"The combination of Broadcom's silicon and WIDCOMM's software comprises the most extensive Bluetooth portfolio in the industry," said Joyce Putscher, Director of Convergence Research at In-Stat/MDR. "The acquisition of WIDCOMM should provide many more opportunities for adoption of Broadcom Bluetooth silicon in this rapidly growing market in which we expect to see a 60% annual growth rate for chipsets over five years."
"Through our extensive joint development work, Broadcom has gained a strong level of confidence in WIDCOMM's products and has developed an excellent working relationship with its team," said Alan E. Ross, President and CEO of Broadcom. "This strategic acquisition demonstrates Broadcom's strong commitment to our Bluetooth customers, and is intended to advance our competitive position in this lucrative market."
"We are excited to join forces with Broadcom, and believe our combined strengths will deliver on the promise of next generation Bluetooth products. As the market for Bluetooth devices continues to experience strong growth, we will create an excellent vehicle to increase the widespread adoption of WIDCOMM's stack in the Bluetooth industry," said Bob Hunsberger, President and CEO of WIDCOMM. "We see a great opportunity to use our software in other Broadcom-based system solutions for future wireless products, such as smart phones, consumer devices, broadband gateways and digital set-top boxes."
Broadcom Corp.