Alphawave Acquisition Deadline Extended Again Amid Qualcomm Talks
Deal News | May 27, 2025 | UK Tech Funding
In ongoing acquisition discussions, US semiconductor giant Qualcomm has extended the deadline for making a formal offer to acquire the London-listed chip technology firm Alphawave. This marks the third deadline extension, with the new date set on June 2, following initial approaches in April. Alphawave's shares have reacted positively to these developments, jumping by nearly 5% after the most recent announcement. This potential acquisition reflects a broader trend of international firms acquiring UK semiconductor companies, including notable past acquisitions like Arm and Graphcore by SoftBank. Alphawave, an influential player in semiconductor technology with dual bases in London and Toronto, continues to attract interest, notably from notable companies like Qualcomm, which could further consolidate the global semiconductor supply chain.
Sectors
- Semiconductors
- Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – Alphawave is a London-listed firm and the focus of the potential acquisition, relevant to the UK financial market and business environment.
- United States – Qualcomm, the bidding company, is based in the United States, highlighting the cross-border nature of this potential acquisition.
- Canada – Alphawave is jointly based in Toronto, Canada, indicating its North American operational presence.
Industry
- Semiconductors – The semiconductor industry is the central focus as Alphawave is a company developing key semiconductor technology, and Qualcomm is a notable player in the field looking to acquire Alphawave.
- Technology – The article discusses acquisition talks within the technology sector, specifically focusing on semiconductor technology development and manufacture.
Financials
- 5% – Increase in Alphawave's share price following the latest announcement of deadline extension.
- 50% – Overall surge in Alphawave's stock since Qualcomm’s initial acquisition interest.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualcomm | Bidding Company | Company | A US-based semiconductor company interested in acquiring Alphawave. |
| Alphawave | Target Company | Company | A London and Toronto-based company developing technology for semiconductors. |
| London Stock Exchange | Regulatory | Company | Set the 'put up or shut up' deadlines under the takeover code. |
| SoftBank | Past Acquirer | Company | Notable for previous acquisitions in the UK chip sector, including Arm and Graphcore. |
| Arm | Other Interested Company | Company | Reportedly considered acquiring Alphawave but did not pursue the deal. |