Decoding the Timeline- When Did Intel Make Its Strategic Acquisition of Altera-
When did Intel acquire Altera? This question has intrigued many in the technology industry, as the merger between the two giants marked a significant milestone in the semiconductor sector. In this article, we will delve into the details of the acquisition, its implications, and the impact it had on the market.
The acquisition of Altera by Intel took place on December 8, 2015. At the time, Intel agreed to pay $16.7 billion in cash for the company, making it one of the largest semiconductor deals in history. The merger was aimed at bolstering Intel’s position in the market for programmable logic devices (PLDs) and solidifying its leadership in the field of data center and cloud computing.
Altera, founded in 1983, was a leading provider of PLDs, which are integrated circuits that can be reprogrammed to perform specific tasks. These devices are widely used in various applications, including networking, industrial automation, and automotive systems. By acquiring Altera, Intel sought to expand its product portfolio and tap into the growing demand for PLDs in emerging markets.
The acquisition was a strategic move for Intel, as it aimed to diversify its revenue streams and reduce its reliance on its core CPU business. At the time, Intel was facing intense competition from ARM Holdings and AMD in the CPU market, and the acquisition of Altera was seen as a way to enter new markets and gain a competitive edge.
The merger was not without its challenges, however. Intel faced regulatory scrutiny from various countries, including China, Japan, and the European Union, which had concerns about the potential impact on competition. After a thorough review, the deal was approved by all relevant authorities, and the acquisition was completed in early 2016.
The integration of Altera into Intel’s business has been a successful endeavor. The combined company has leveraged the strengths of both organizations to develop innovative solutions for a wide range of applications. Intel has been able to integrate Altera’s PLDs with its CPUs, creating a new category of products known as FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays). These FPGAs have found applications in areas such as artificial intelligence, 5G networking, and autonomous vehicles.
The acquisition of Altera has also helped Intel to strengthen its position in the data center market. By offering a comprehensive portfolio of products, including CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs, Intel has become a one-stop-shop for data center solutions. This has enabled the company to capture a larger share of the market and maintain its leadership position.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Altera by Intel on December 8, 2015, was a strategic move that has had a significant impact on the semiconductor industry. The merger has allowed Intel to diversify its product portfolio, enter new markets, and strengthen its position in the data center and cloud computing sectors. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, the combined strength of Intel and Altera is poised to drive innovation and growth in the years to come.
