Qualcomm Will Buy CSR Chip Company for $2.5 Billion

It has been announced that Qualcomm will buy CSR chip company in order to focus more on connected cars and the Internet of Things. CSR is a company from Cambridge that manufactures wireless communications, GPS and audio chips for consumer products and automotive markets. CSR is also a known company that develops chips for indoor location services.

Qualcomm will buy CSR for building better applications and in-car devices. Experts assume that both of these fields are fast growing and Qualcomm will pay $2.5 billion in order to make the deal with CSR. Qualcomm announced the news today and is planning to close the deal as soon as possible, especially because the stock market is favorable this time of year.

CSR is known for designing a wide range of software and chips for mobile phone and other smart devices, like location technology. This technology combines information from satellite networks and several software platforms, combining wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and FM. CSR also develops Bluetooth chips and other technologies that require low energy and can be used to connect wireless headphones to tablets and smarphones.

Qualcomm will buy CSR after beating an offer from its rivals at Microchip. Microchip’s offer was rejected back in August because supposedly it was too low. Sources say that Microchip continued to discuss with CSR after the refusal, and some believe they are planning to collaborate on different technologies.

Samsung bought 21 connectivity patents from CSR in 2012 for $310 million but sold it all in January 2014.

Qualcomm is one of the biggest chip manufacturers used in mobile devices and buying CSR will make them even more powerful on the chip market. Once the deal is closed, it will give Qualcomm access to a broader area of technology, from smartphones to control TVs, smart house devices like air conditioners and light switches. The fact the Qualcomm will buy CSR gives Qualcomm access to the automotive market as well, especially for mapping devices, entertainment and communication behind the wheel.

Do you think it’s a good deal that Qualcomm will buy CSR? Post your comments in the section below.

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Anne-Marie Jackson

Anna grew up on a steady diet of 20th century literature, science-fiction movies and Viking lore. Unsurprisingly she turned into a technology geek with an inclination for history & fantasy.