US media: Broadcom and TSMC are eyeing Intel spin-off deal

Odaily Planet Daily News According to people familiar with the matter, Broadcom (AVGO.O) and TSMC (TSM.N) are each eyeing a potential deal that could split Intel (INTC.O) in two. Broadcom has been keeping a close eye on Intel's chip design and marketing business and has informally discussed a bid with consultants, but may only bid after finding a partner for Intel's manufacturing business. Broadcom has not yet submitted any documents to Intel. TSMC has been studying controlling some or all of Intel's chip factories, possibly as part of an investor consortium or other structure. Broadcom and TSMC are not working together. Splitting Intel would put it in line with the industrial shift in recent decades, either specializing in chip manufacturing or chip design, not both. People familiar with the matter said that Intel's interim executive chairman Frank Yeary has been leading discussions with possible acquirers and Trump administration officials, who are concerned about the fate of the company, which is seen as critical to national security. People familiar with the matter said that negotiations about Intel's factories are in the early stages and the Trump administration has asked TSMC to explore the idea. (WSJ)