Samsung unlikely to target NXP Semiconductors for acquisition

Samsung is unlikely to target NXP Semiconductors for a potential acquisition as the company is now too big and antitrust may be problematic.

NXP Semiconductors was on Samsung’s shopping list, but Samsung is having second thoughts due to NXPI’s size, The Korea Times reported on Sunday, citing an unidentified industry executive. Samsung was rumored to be considered purchasing NXPI in 2019.

A potential deal may carry large antitrust risk and NXP is now estimated to be valued at 80 trillion won ($69B) in an acquisition, according to the report.
The Korea Times also reported in early February that Samsung wanted to acquire an auto chip company with NXP, Infineon, Renesas and Texas Instruments among potential targets.

Recall that Qualcomm attempted to purchase NXPI in 2018, though Qualcomm walked away at least partly due to trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Seeking Alpha