In 2008, chipmakers Intel and AMD took two distinct paths: Intel kept manufacturing its own chips to maintain full control, while AMD chose to spin off its semiconductor service as GlobalFoundries, depending on it and other manufacturers to offer the actual silicon. Now, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Intel is looking to get AMDs former fabs also, in an offer that might value them at $30 billion.
Its clear from the WSJ story that the deal isnt a sure thing, and GlobalFoundries outright denied that it was in talks with Intel. But its possible Intels working out with the investment company that owns GlobalFoundries rather, as the WSJ points out. Its likewise interesting that the Journal doesnt have a “no remark” from Intel itself– thats in some cases a canary to show a business did comment, simply off the record or on deep background.
(” We will decline to talk about rumor and speculation,” an Intel spokesperson told The Verge, though.).
Intels pushing fabs on several fronts.
Theres an obvious factor why Intel might desire GlobalFoundries– its actually ramping up its foundry company now. In an effort to reverse the having a hard time business, brand-new Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger announced in March that the business would no longer go it alone, contracting out more of its chip production to third-party foundries, accepting produce more chips for other business using its own foundries, and likewise investing in new fabs itself. That included a $20 billion investment in new centers in Arizona, but it could take several years for new structures to get built and increase.
It sounds like the # 4 foundry in the world (according to TrendForce) may be up for grabs, one that accounts for 7 percent of all foundry organization by income. That wont put Intel on the same footing as a huge TSMC or Samsung (which together represent an approximated 74 percent), however it d be a start.
The Washington Post took a tour of GlobalFoundries facility in Malta, NY simply last week, if you d like to hear what its like.