(Reuters) – Intel announced on Tuesday its agreement to sell a 10% stake in the IMS Nanofabrication business to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The transaction values IMS at approximately $4.3 billion.
“The investment by TSMC we believe also demonstrates the excitement across the whole semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem for the significant opportunity ahead of IMS,” said Matt Poirier, Intel’s vice president of corporate development.
Earlier this year, Intel sold a 20% stake in IMS to Bain Capital at a similar valuation. Intel acquired IMS in 2015. IMS, an Austrian company, specializes in manufacturing a chip component called a mask, which is crucial for the production of the next generation of lithography tools. The development of “high-NA” extreme ultraviolet equipment is essential for the continued production of faster chips.
The collaboration with TSMC reflects the growing interest and support from the semiconductor industry towards IMS. With this investment, IMS is poised to take advantage of the significant opportunities in the market.
Intel’s decision to sell a portion of its stake in IMS is part of its strategic plan to focus on its core business and streamline its operations. By divesting a stake in IMS, Intel can allocate resources to key areas of its development and strengthen its position in the industry.
The partnership with TSMC, a prominent player in the semiconductor manufacturing sector, will enhance IMS’s capabilities and provide access to valuable expertise and resources. This collaboration is expected to drive innovation and accelerate the development of advanced chip manufacturing technologies.
The semiconductor industry is experiencing a surge in demand for faster and more powerful chips. This trend is driven by the growing need for advanced computing technologies in various sectors, including artificial intelligence, data centers, and autonomous vehicles.
Intel remains committed to driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of chip manufacturing. The company continues to invest in research and development to stay at the forefront of the industry.
Yuvraj Malik from Bengaluru and Max A. Cherney from San Francisco contributed to this report. Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Louise Heavens.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
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