Report: Qualcomm Wants to Buy Intel’s PC Business

Separate reports claim Intel is considering selling off parts of the company big and small. And one is a blockbuster, if true: It is allegedly weighing an offer to take the most drastic step imaginable and sell its PC chip design business, a move that would essentially turn Intel into a chip foundry.

The reports come from Reuters and Bloomberg, respectively.

Reuters is responsible for the more blockbuster of the two claims. It says that Qualcomm–the biggest maker of mobile processor chips, and a sudden viable option in PCs–is interested in acquiring Intel’s PC chip design business. In other words, the business for which Intel is most well-known, and its biggest revenue generator, the part of the company that designs chips for PCs. That report cites two sources and, if true, would mark a monumental shift in the PC market.

“We are deeply committed to our PC business,” an Intel spokesperson told Reuters. Qualcomm refused to comment on the report.

Reuters also claims that Qualcomm might be interested in Intel’s server business, citing a single source. That acquisition would fill an obvious gap in its product lineup, but it feels like necessary. Regardless, Qualcomm has reportedly been interesting in buying parts of Intel “for months.” Its interest and plans could change, of course.

Separately, Bloomberg reports that Intel is considering selling its Mobileye and Network and Edge businesses. Intel owns 88 percent of Mobileye, which designs self-driving vehicle systems, and could sell that to a third party or spin it off. The firm could also sell its Network and Edge business, which designs chips for enterprise and telecommunications systems. Like Reuters, Bloomberg cites multiple sources.

“We have an unwavering focus on shareholder value creation and are executing the plan we shared last month to accelerate profitable growth and create a leaner, simpler and more agile Intel for the future,” an Intel statement notes in response to these rumors.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger and his executive staff will provide Intel’s board of directors with various options for moving the suddenly beleaguered company forward. Obviously, anything could happen in the next few weeks, and these reports could pan out or not.