Skyworks Solutions has announced the acquisition of Avnera Corporation, a leading developer of Analog System on Chips (ASoCs). The acquisition of Avnera, also a private fabless semiconductor supplier, augments Skyworks’ leadership in wireless connectivity by adding ultra-low power analog circuits to enable smart interfaces via acoustic signal processing, sensors and integrated software. Once the transaction is complete, Skyworks will expand its addressable market by over $5 billion. Target applications include AI speakers/microphones, virtual assistants, intelligent gaming controllers and vehicle in-dash systems as well as wired/wireless headsets.
According to Liam K. Griffin, President and CEO, Skyworks, Voice is increasingly becoming the primary interface for artificial intelligence and Internet of Things applications. The acquisition of Avnera will enable Skyworks to capitalize on the rapid proliferation of audio functionality and its convergence with their advanced connectivity solutions. With its global sales channels, strong customer relationships and operational scale, the company plans to leverage Avnera’s innovative product portfolio and systems expertise to increase footprint in automotive, industrial, home automation, enterprise and high-end consumer markets.
At the heart of Avnera’s system solutions are market-specific ASoCs that combine breakthrough audio/voice analog circuits, highly efficient power management and custom hardware accelerators for smart acoustic signal processing/AI features. The ASoCs achieve the highest level of integration in the industry and set a new performance watermark from a power consumption and footprint standpoint ─ all underpinned by more than 100 issued and pending patents. Key Avnera customers include Harman, JBL, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Polk, Samsung, Sennheiser, Sony, Vizio and Yamaha.
Skyworks will pay $405 million in cash to Avnera equity holders at closing with up to an additional $20 million if certain performance targets are exceeded over a 12-month post-closing period. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both Skyworks and Avnera and is anticipated to close by September 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. Excluding any non-recurring acquisition-related charges and amortization of intangibles, Skyworks expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to diluted earnings per share.
