Computer chip maker Texas Instruments said on April 4 that it would buy rival National Semiconductor for $6.5 billion in an all cash deal.
The deal combines two leaders in the $42 billion market for analog semiconductors, key components in many electronic goods.
TI will pay National shareholders $25 a share, a 77% premium on April 4's closing price of $14.07.
National will be absorbed into TI's analog semiconductor division, but keep its headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.
"This acquisition is about strength and growth," said Texas Instruments chief executive Rich Templeton.
Templeton said combining National's product line with TI's sales force will boost TI's profitability and earnings per share, after the deal is accounted for.
"The combined sales team will be 10 times larger than National's is today, and the portfolio will be exposed to more customers in more markets," he said After the deal analog semiconductors will account for about half of TI's total revenues.
TI is the market leader in analog semiconductors, with 2010 revenues of $6 billion, while National earned $1.6 billion in the same market. After the deal analog semiconductors will account for about half of TI's total revenues, it said.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2011
