Intel Faces Acquisition Rumors as Broadcom and TSMC Consider Buyout

Speculation Surrounds Intel's Future Amid Ongoing Financial Struggles

Recent reports suggest that Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) are exploring potential acquisitions of Intel's business divisions. The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg have highlighted ongoing discussions, though both companies remain in the preliminary stages of evaluating their options.

According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal on February 15, Broadcom is conducting a thorough analysis of Intel’s semiconductor design and marketing division. However, the company has yet to submit a formal offer and is reportedly waiting to find a suitable manufacturing partner before making any commitments. Insiders indicate that Broadcom may ultimately decide against the acquisition, depending on the feasibility of a strategic partnership within Intel's manufacturing segment.

Separately, speculation has arisen that TSMC is considering acquiring Intel's semiconductor fabrication facilities. Reports indicate that TSMC could collaborate with a consortium of investors or engage in a joint venture to facilitate such a transaction. Bloomberg previously reported that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration had engaged in discussions with TSMC representatives regarding potential collaboration between TSMC and Intel. The discussions reportedly included possibilities such as shared ownership between TSMC and U.S. semiconductor firms or the establishment of a joint venture between TSMC and Intel. However, both media outlets emphasized that these negotiations are still in their early stages.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters have cited anonymous White House sources indicating that Trump is unlikely to support a foreign company operating Intel’s U.S.-based manufacturing facilities. While the president has promoted foreign investment in domestic industries, he has also advocated for semiconductor production to remain under American control. In a recent statement on February 13, Trump emphasized the importance of reshoring semiconductor manufacturing, stating, “Semiconductors should be produced in the United States. Some are currently made in South Korea, but the vast majority comes from Taiwan. We want those companies to move to our country.”

Intel has faced prolonged financial struggles, and a successful acquisition deal could provide much-needed capital to stabilize its operations. Once a dominant force in the global semiconductor market, Intel has struggled to adapt to the rise of artificial intelligence-driven chip development and has invested billions in transforming itself into a contract chip manufacturer. Despite these efforts, the company has yet to reclaim its former market position.

Any potential acquisition involving Intel’s manufacturing plants would require approval from the U.S. government. As semiconductor production remains a key geopolitical concern, any deal involving a foreign entity such as TSMC is likely to undergo intense scrutiny from regulatory authorities. Furthermore, Taiwanese media reports suggest that while Trump’s administration has exerted pressure on Intel-TSMC collaboration, TSMC executives are reportedly hesitant to accept such a deal due to potential political and logistical challenges.

With the semiconductor industry undergoing significant transformations and geopolitical tensions influencing global supply chain strategies, Intel's future remains uncertain. As Broadcom and TSMC weigh their options, the industry continues to watch closely to see whether any formal acquisition proposals will emerge in the coming months.