GlobalFoundries today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Synopsys' ARC processor IP solutions business, including its team of engineers and designers. This strategic move will accelerate GF and MIPS's roadmap in physical AI and enhance their capabilities in custom chip solutions.
The proposed acquisition includes the ARC-V, ARC-Classic, ARC VPX-DSP, and ARC NPX NPU product lines, as well as Application-Specific Instruction Set (ASIP) processor tools, such as ASIP Designer and ASIP Programmer. Upon completion of the transaction, these assets and expert teams will be integrated into MIPS, a GlobalFoundries company, to provide a comprehensive suite of processor IP tailored for physical AI applications. The expanded products and services will enhance customer engagement through IP licensing and software, helping GF's customers bring products to market faster.
Synopsys' ARC technology
The integration of Synopsys' ARC technologies - including high-performance, mid-range, and ultra-low-power computing and AI cores - will enable scalable, energy-efficient processing solutions. Leveraging a strong patent portfolio, a global customer network, and proven engineering expertise, this acquisition will accelerate innovation and enhance the ability to provide solutions for wearables, robotics, AI-driven consumer applications, and advanced AI chips.
"This acquisition further solidifies our commitment to maintaining leadership in physical AI. By combining Synopsys' ARC IP and MIPS technologies with GF's advanced manufacturing capabilities, we lower the barrier to adoption for our customers, enabling them to innovate faster and drive the next generation of computing and AI applications," said Tim Breen, CEO of GlobalFoundries. "This move will strengthen our differentiated technology roadmap and enable GF to provide end-to-end solutions that support the expansion of AI devices into the physical world."
Synopsys's product business
Synopsys will retain and continue to expand its broad portfolio of design IP products, encompassing logic libraries, embedded memory, interface IP, security IP, and subsystems.
Sassine Ghazi, President and CEO of Synopsys, stated, "This transaction will further solidify Synopsys' leading position in critical interface and foundational IP while unlocking new high-value opportunities, thereby enhancing our position as a leading provider of chip-to-systems engineering solutions. GF will be the future leader in the processor IP solutions business, enabling global customers to benefit from the increasingly competitive landscape of processor IP solutions development and delivery."
GF's acquisition of Synopsys' ARC and ARC-V processor IP solutions business is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Following the acquisition, GF will work closely with Synopsys to ensure a smooth transition for employees, customers, and partners.
Source: Compiled from GF
