Softbank’s AI-Chip designer Amper’s acquisition of $ 6.5 billion is facing a deepening investigation by the US government, which may delay the deal. Bloomberg. According to those familiar with the matter, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened a second application for information, which is a relatively rare investigation that can last for more than a year or can be prevented, according to those familiar. Neither the Soft Bank nor the Imper have commented on the matter.
Japan’s Soft Bank, headed by Masashi Beta, is already the owner of a chip designer Arm after receiving $ 32 billion in 2016. Empeare, which was founded in 2018 with focus on cloud-local computing, has recently been strictly transferred to AI chip design-so the Softbank is betting that the company will promote its research and development in the area. Under this agreement, Empire, based in Santa Clara, will maintain his name and run as a subsidiary in full -owned.
If the contract is, the Soft Bank, the UK’s chip designer, will own the arm Graphic Limited And Ampir, all the leading players in the AI’s place. Therefore, the FTC is investigating the deal as a potential dissenting issue. The soft bank’s attempt to sell the arm to NVIDIA was eventually abandoned for similar reasons. AI has been replaced by plans like Star Gate, which also includes a lot of soft bank.
The Softbank has confronted some heads late. Star Gate is being Delayed to face Due to US prices and its arm division is fighting Qualcomm over complaints of chip licenses and anti -trusts in Europe, the United States and South Korea.