QualComm Buys Israeli Chip Maker
San Diego-based Qualcomm Inc. acquired the Israeli chip manufacturer start-up DesignArt Networks for more than $150 million.
The Israeli company, located in Raanana, is considered a leader in the design of modems and small communication cells for cellular base stations and high-speed wireless backhaul infrastructure.
“DesignArt and its products will both enhance and accelerate our initiatives to drive increased capacity and coverage in mobile networks,” Qualcomm President Craig Barratt said in a statement. “Operators can significantly improve user experience across residential, enterprise and outdoor networks given the greater network efficiencies derived by implementing small cells and heterogeneous networks.”
The sale, which was completed last week, is Qualcomm’s second acquisition in Israel following the buyout of the mobile web company iSkoot in 2010, Yahoo Finance reported.
DesignArt specializes in developing data-centric mobile radio access networks coupled with highly integrated system-on-chip technology.
The deal will allow Qualcomm to offer new system-on-chip and mobile offerings, according to PT-News.org. It comes two months after another Israeli start-up, Face.com, was acquired by Facebook for more than $100 million.
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