Nvidia released a statement that its acquisition deal of Arm from SoftBank is terminated due to "significant regulatory challenges".
In January 2022, it was reported that the acquisition deal falling through is bound to happen.
Acquisition History
- Nvidia announced the acquisition of Arm from SoftBank for nearly US$40 billion in a cash and stock-based purchase during late 2020.
- As soon as the deal was announced it has been under scrutiny and Nvidia faced increasing pressure from regulators.
- UK and EU regulators began to investigate the acquisition details in November 2021.
- Federal Trade Commission in the United States, sued to stop the deal in December 2021 over concerns it would hinder innovation and create an unfair advantage in the chip market.
What's Next for Arm
- SoftBank is prepping Arm for an initial public offering by March 2023 on the US stock exchange, Nasdaq, in hopes of delivering a return on its investment in Arm.
- SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO, Masayoshi Son said the listing of Arm's shares will enable flexibility for existing investors to sell for cash and at the same time give stock options as incentives.
- Arm's CEO, Simon Segars is stepping down, after 30 years at the company, and to be replaced by Arm’s head of IP, Rene Haas.
- It is reported that Segars' resignation is not related to the termination of the acquisition deal.
- Coincidentally, Haas previously worked at Nvidia for seven years before joining ARM in 2013.
“Arm has a bright future, and we’ll continue to support them as a proud licensee for decades to come,” founder and CEO of NVIDIA, Jensen Huang said in the announcement.