Broadcom announced today that it will acquire network IC supplier NetLogic Microsystems, the $3.5 billion deal is expected to close 1H2012.
This is the latest in a long line of acquisitions that Broadcom has made in the last two years in order to expand its product portfolio and increase its total addressable market (TAM). In 2010 alone it acquired 5 companies: Teknovus Inc. (EPON chipsets and software), Innovision Research & Technology PLC (NFC), Percello Ltd. (femtocell SoCs), Beceem Communications Inc. (4G platform solutions) and Gigle Networks Inc. (home networking SoCs).
This has added valuable products to all three of its main target segments: Home, Infrastructure and Hand.
So how many acquisitions can we expect this year? At the last count it is 3, including NetLogic, Provigent Ltd. (ICs for microwave backhaul) and SC Square Ltd. (security software). Maybe it is time to strengthen its applications processor line?
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