Design & Reuse

Why the Microsemi-Actel deal makes complete sense

Brian Fuller, EETimes
10/4/2010 8:30 PM EDT

Lack of “synergy” in the just-announced $430 million MicroSemi-Actel merger? Please. This deal exudes synergy, and it will turn out to be one of the savviest of 2010.

At a macro level, the merger is about more efficiently marrying analog with digital, enabling new markets for the merged company and new applications for customers.

At a tactical level, it highlights an emerging battle between programmable logic vendors and microcontroller companies. Indeed, it sets the stage for what will be a thoroughly enjoyable smackdown between Actel’s Fusion and SmartFusion product lines and Cypress’s PSOC platform.

Are you, as the man says, ready to rumble?