Broadcom (AVGO) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) are weighing plans to bid for Intel (INTC) that would break-up the storied chipmaker, according to a new report.1
Broadcom has been looking into Intel’s chip-design and marketing business and and has “informally discussed” a bid with its advisers if it finds a partner for Intel’s chip-making operations, according to a story published Saturday by The Wall Street Journal. Broadcom designs custom AI chips for several large U.S. tech firms including Alphabet and Meta.
TSMC, meanwhile, has examined taking over some or all of Intel’s chip plants as part of an investor consortium or another structure. TSMC, the world’s largest chip manufacturer and major Intel Foundry competitor, has been the subject of several recent reports recording possible Intel-related plans.The Journal, which cited people familiar with the matter for Saturday’s article, said Intel and Broadcom aren’t working together and talks are still at an informal and early stage.
Intel, Broadcom and TSMC didn’t immediately return requests for comment.
Intel has struggled in recent years as the chipmaker has struggled to catch the artificial intelligence wave and grappled with attempts to turn itself around, resulting in last year’s ousting of former CEO Pat Gelsinger. Its foundry business has struggled to keep up with TSMC, losing $13.4 billion in 2024. Its shares lost a big chunk of their value year, though its stock got a boost last week when Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration would take steps to ensure AI chips are designed and manufactured in the U.S.
A breakup of Intel would likely require U.S. government signoff.
