Conexant to Acquire Freescale’s ‘Sigmatel’ Multi-Function Printer Product Lines
Portable Design News, Tuesday July 08, 2008
Conexant Systems, Inc. today announced that it signed a definitive agreement with Freescale Semiconductor to acquire its “SigmaTel” multi-function printer (MFP) imaging product lines. The single-chip solutions were developed by SigmaTel, Inc., which was a leading provider of broad-based MFP imaging solutions prior to its acquisition by Freescale.
Multi-function printers feature copy, fax, and scan capabilities. When the transaction is completed, Conexant will be a leading provider of semiconductor solutions for MFP and facsimile imaging applications. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, and is expected to close within the next 30 days. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Conexant will also acquire Freescale’s SigmaTel digital photo frame product lines, which allow users to view and share photos from traditional digital cameras, camera phones, and photo-sharing Web sites on high-resolution LCD displays. SigmaTel’s multimedia applications processor technology will be excluded from the acquisition.
Separately, Freescale reiterated that it is currently integrating SigmaTel’s multimedia applications processor technology into its i.MX product line. A Freescale spokesman also indicated that Freescale will continue serving the printing and digital photo frame markets with solutions based on its PowerQUICC and i.MX technologies respectively, which are unrelated to the printing and digital photo frame technologies planned for acquisition by Conexant.
More than 50 Freescale employees, primarily based in Waltham, Massachusetts, are expected to join Conexant’s Imaging and PC Media (IPM) group when the transaction closes. The design team has extensive expertise in printer and imaging technologies, and has developed and delivered solutions with industry-leading processing speeds to major printer manufacturers worldwide.
Conexant Systems, Inc., Newport Beach, CA (949) 483-4600 [www.conexant.com]
