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Why a Chinese Buyout of Micron Is Not Likely To Succeed

Lucas123 writes: A reported $23 billion offer to purchase U.S.-based Micron, one of the largest DRAM and memory makers in the world, by a Chinese state-owned chip maker isn't likely to succeed for several reasons, not the least of which is that the U.S. government is unlikely to approve it and Micron has no reason to sell. Tsinghua Unigroup, a somewhat enigmatic company that is funded by Tsinghua University in China, offered $21 a share for Micron, which is a 19.3% premium over Micron's closing price on Monday. Micron's market cap is currently $20.7 billion. Micron has denied it received an offer from Tsinghua, but a Wall Street Journal report claimed the offer was real.

Industry analysts, however, believe Tsinghua may have used the WSJ as a trial balloon for an offer. Analysts also say rumors of a deal for Micron have been floating around for more than a month. Still, the possibility of a deal surprised some in the industry who expected China to organically grow its own DRAM and memory businesses. By acquiring Micron, however, China would instantly become a big player in what is a robust market. Fang Zhang, an IHS memory analyst, said Micron will not likely accept a buyout offer because the company has been performing well and expects to continue to do so. Additionally, the U.S. government considers chip technology vital to national security, so approval of the deal would at the very least take months if not more than a year during a time when the Chinese economy is at risk of collapse.

6 of 35 comments (clear)

  1. National Security by PPH · · Score: 2

    Additionally, the U.S. government considers chip technology vital to national security,

    Potato chips, that is.

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    Have gnu, will travel.
    1. Re:National Security by omibus · · Score: 2

      Hey, potatoes are big business in Idaho. Do you like french fries? Do ya? Hate for you to show up at a burger joint and no french fries? And don't get me started on tater tots!

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      Bad User. No biscuit!
  2. US govt considers chip tech vital to natl security by Nutria · · Score: 2

    But didn't that boat sail 25 years ago?

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    "I don't know, therefore Aliens" Wafflebox1
  3. Re:Hmm tough choice by someone1234 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    You live in a fantasy world, if you believe the Chinese wouldn't want access to everything. The actions of these superpowers are not limited by morale, only capabilities. And the Chinese capabilities are steadily growing.

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    Patents Drive Free Software as Hurricanes Drive Construction Industry
  4. "the Chinese economy is at risk of collapse" by neo-mkrey · · Score: 2

    **citation needed...

  5. Re:US govt considers chip tech vital to natl secur by drinkypoo · · Score: 2

    But didn't that boat sail 25 years ago?

    Most of the most fancy-pants fabs are here in the US of A. You never hear about them because, unlike other industries, they spend enough money to prevent horrible industrial accidents.

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    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"