South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. has acquired the mobile-technology business of U.K.-based Cambridge Silicon Radio PLC for $310 million, as the smartphone giant seeks technology and patents to ensure its mobile chip and handset businesses stay competitive.
Through the move, Samsung, which recently overtook Nokia Corp. as the world's largest vendor of mobile handsets, obtains CSR's handset connectivity and handset location technology, as well as 21 U.S. patents related to wireless technologies. The acquisition of the assets will help Samsung's handset and mobile chip businesses differentiate, and defend their position amid fierce competition in the fast-growing markets for smartphones and tablet computers.
Samsung said in a statement the acquisition will help strengthen its mobile chip business, as it will obtain rights to CSR's intellectual property related to wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Global Positioning System. Samsung, which makes consumer electronics as well as chips and other components, is also buying $34.4 million worth of CSR shares to strengthen its ties with the U.K. firm.
