June 22, 2012 — The Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) shows more than 100% increase in semiconductor company investment year-over-year (Y/Y) in May, in the Global Semiconductor Funding, IPO and M&A Update.
$572.9 million was raised by semiconductor companies (i.e., fabless companies, integrated device manufacturers [IDMs] and semiconductor suppliers) in the first five months of 2012, an increase of 9.7% from the first five months of 2011.
In May 2012, semiconductor companies received $134.5 million in venture investment, down 42.5% from April 2012 and up 122.7% from May 2011.
Ten semiconductor companies received funding; an increase of one sequentially and two Y/Y. Of those ten companies, eight were fabless companies and two were suppliers.
The two highest funding amounts went to Aquantia Corporation and Violin Memory Inc. On May 9, Audience Inc. priced above its expected range of $14 to $16 by pricing its initial public offering (IPO) at $17 per share, raising $89.6 million.
Nine semiconductor mergers and acquisitions (M&As) were announced (i.e., M&As involving entire companies, not sectors/product lines or foundry facilities); 2 more than in April 2012 and 9 fewer than in May 2011.
The largest semiconductor M&A deal announced in May occurred when Microchip Technology Inc. acquired Standard Microsystems Corporation (SMSC) for $939.0 million.
Access the report at http://www.gsaglobal.org/publications/fundings/index.asp
The Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) mission is to accelerate the growth and increase the return on invested capital of the global semiconductor industry by fostering a more effective ecosystem through collaboration, integration and innovation. Learn more at www.gsaglobal.org