GREENSBORO, N.C.-RF Micro Devices Inc., provider of radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), will acquire Silicon Wave Inc., supplier of integrated circuits for wireless personal area networks (WPANs).
RFMD expects Silicon Wave’s Bluetooth product portfolio to give it a strong foothold in the Bluetooth market. “Leading industry analysts, such as IMS Research, forecast approximately 100 million Bluetooth devices will be shipped this year. This growth is being driven by the cellular handset market and related markets, including wireless headsets, printers and PC peripherals,” explained Bob Bruggeworth, president and chief executive officer of RF Micro Devices.
“Through our relationship with Silicon Wave, RFMD has design wins and is beginning to ramp multiple customers in each of these target markets,” Bruggeworth added. “We have developed an excellent working relationship with Silicon Wave, and we have been impressed by the depth of their abilities in CMOS circuit design, systems level integration and product development. During the past year, they have proven their ability to execute and deliver Bluetooth products, which are enjoying strong design traction.”
RFMD will pay approximately $10.8 million in cash in exchange for all outstanding shares of Silicon Wave capital stock in connection with the acquisition, which is expected to close within 30 days.