Wi-Fi Edge Blockbuster: NXP Semiconductors To Buy Marvell's Wi-Fi Business For $1.76B

Marvell Technology Group is selling off its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology portfolios to chip supplier NXP as companies rush to prepare for lightening-fast 5G and abundant IoT use cases.

NXP Semiconductors is buying semiconductor manufacturer Marvell Technology Group's Wi-Fi connectivity assets in an all-cash deal valued at $1.76 billion as companies brace themselves for 5G network rollouts, smart cities, and the influx of connected devices.

Via the terms of the deal, Netherlands-based NXP will acquire Marvell’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology portfolios and related assets. The divestiture will grow NXP into a larger infrastructure supplier capable of offering 5G, data center, enterprise and automotive Ethernet applications, the companies said.

Specifically, the deal will help NXP, one of the largest chip suppliers in the automotive industry, offer more IoT connectivity options for customers.

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The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, has been approved by the boards of directors for both NXP and Marvell. The transaction is expected to close by Q1 2020, the companies said.

“NXP has built a broad consumer footprint and an optimized platform for IoT applications, making it an ideal home for our innovative Wi-Fi technology and team,” said Matt Murphy, Marvell's president and CEO, in a statement about the deal.

Santa Clara, Calif.-based Marvell this month announced plans to buy Avera Semiconductor, the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) business of Global Foundries, for $740 million. The company said the purchase would extend its reach in 5G base stations and make it a leading ASIC supplier for wired and wireless infrastructure. Marvell also this month said it would buy Aquantia for $452 million to add to its portfolio of copper and optical physical layer product offerings, and for Aquantia's in-car high-speed Ethernet technology.

Marvell primarily works directly with end customers and with OEM partners today, including AzureWave, GlobalScale Technologies, and Panasonic.

Qualcomm attempted to acquire NXP last July for $44 billion, but the deal fell apart after failing to secure approval from Chinese regulators.