SynapticsがBroadcomのIoTビジネスに2億5000万ドルを投じる

SynapticsはIoTに真剣に取り組んでいます。同社はBroadcomとチップメーカーのワイヤレスIoTビジネスを2億5000万ドルの全額現金で購入することで合意に達しました。Synaptics is getting serious about IoT. The company reached an agreement with Broadcom to purchase the chipmaker’s wireless IoT business in a $250 million, all-cash deal. Under the deal, Synaptics will acquire Broadcom’s WiFi, Bluetooth, and global positioning system products and businesses in the IoT market. The company will also inherit Broadcom’s IoT roadmap. Now, if the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Synaptics is shoddy trackpad drivers, you’d be forgiven. However, the company has made a concerted push in the IoT space in recent years. The IoT market is one of Synaptics’ key growth areas, said CFO Dean Butler on an investor call this week. “The addition of wireless IoT connectivity will increase IoT to account for 33% of our revenue,” he said. According to Synaptics President and CEO Michael Hurlston, the acquisition of Broadcom’s IoT business will fill a gap in the company’s portfolio. “Most of our current IoT solutions, whether they are targeted at [over the top] video streamers, smart-home devices, fax and printers, or even automobiles, the end products also need wireless connectivity,” he said on the investor call. “Adding this asset to our portfolio enables us to offer a more complete reference design to our customers.” Hurlston says the acquisition will also open the door to new product lines including industrial surveillance cameras and home appliances. “This is a greenfield opportunity for us to significantly expand our footprint in what is already a large market today,” he said. The company expects Broadcom’s IoT assets will add about $65 million in annual sales and provide “significant revenue growth potential,” according to a statement. Butler said he expects IoT to account for 40% of Synaptics’ revenues in the coming years. The deal is expected to close during Synaptic’s first fiscal quarter of 2021.