Qualcomm to Acquire Alphawave Semi for $2.4 Billion

Qualcomm to Acquire Alphawave Semi for $2.4 Billion

Qualcomm has reached an agreement to purchase Alphawave Semi, a semiconductor firm headquartered in the U.K. Alphawave Semi specializes in high-speed data center connectivity solutions.

The acquisition price is approximately $2.4 billion. This strategic move is intended to bolster Qualcomm’s position within the data center market.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Acquisition

Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, stated that this acquisition will facilitate the expansion of Qualcomm’s data center operations. The integration of both companies’ expertise is expected to yield significant advancements.

“Our combined teams are united by a common objective: to develop cutting-edge technological solutions and deliver superior connected computing performance,” Amon explained in an official press statement. “This will be applied across numerous high-growth sectors, notably data center infrastructure.”

Expanding Beyond Smartphones

This purchase of Alphawave, a developer of wired connectivity and compute technologies, follows Qualcomm’s recent acquisitions. These include the generative AI division of VinAI, a Vietnamese startup, and the internet of things (IoT) company, Edge Impulse.

Qualcomm is actively working to diversify its business portfolio. This diversification is in response to challenges such as a declining smartphone market – a key revenue source for Qualcomm – and the potential imposition of tariffs.

Timeline for Completion

The completion of this transaction is currently anticipated during the first quarter of 2026. Regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions will need to be satisfied before the deal is finalized.

Alphawave Semi’s technologies are expected to complement Qualcomm’s existing offerings, strengthening its overall competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.