According to Bloomberg, Maxim was working with a bank on a strategic review when it was approached by Analog Devices, according to unnamed sources. Maxim has been looking to reduce costs, transform its manufacturing footprint, and optimize R&D and sales to identify growth opportunities. It has a market value of about $9.8 billion.
Analog Devices meanwhile supplies the supplies the touchscreen controller that powers Apple’s Force Touch in the Apple Watch, and is rumored to supply iPhones and iPads as well.
Analog Devices has 2,500 employees in New England and 9,000 worldwide. Maxim has 8,800 employees in San Jose, Calif. Neither company has commented on the merger talks.
In June, Analog Devices said it would pay about $2 billion in cash for Hittite Microwave Corp. to acquire the capability to supply chips used by automakers and the military.
The semiconductor industry has seen $110 billion in deals this year.
Full content: Bloomberg
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