When will Qualcomm acquire Intel- Rumor has it that he will wait until after the general election before making a decision

Bloomberg reports that Qualcomm may wait until after the U.S. presidential election in November to decide whether to pursue a takeover of Intel. According to anonymous sources familiar with the situation, Qualcomm aims to gain a clearer understanding of the upcoming administration in the White House, as the new government’s stance could significantly influence U.S. antitrust policies and the dynamics between Washington and Beijing.

Several insiders suggest that, given the complexities involved, Qualcomm is likely to hold off on any decisions regarding a potential deal with Intel until January, when the new president takes office. Bloomberg notes that both Qualcomm and Intel produce crucial chips used in everyday products like smartphones and electric vehicles. A merger between the two companies would almost certainly attract intense scrutiny from antitrust regulators both in the U.S. and globally, particularly from China, which is a major market for both firms.

Last month, Bloomberg reported that Qualcomm had initiated discussions with Intel about acquiring the struggling chipmaker, marking the first step toward what could be one of the largest mergers in history. Sources indicated that Qualcomm informally inquired about Beijing’s stance on the potential acquisition but received no response, with Beijing reportedly waiting for Qualcomm to make an official announcement before commenting.

If Intel proceeds with all of its planned facilities in the U.S., it stands to receive the most funding from the U.S. Chips and Science Act, solidifying its position as a key player in the Biden administration’s push for domestic chip manufacturing.

Bloomberg’s analysis points out that waiting until after the elections could be advantageous for Qualcomm in terms of pricing. Intel is set to release its Q3 earnings report later this month, and if it continues to underperform as it did three months ago, it could negatively impact its stock price. This decline could allow Qualcomm to make a bid at a lower price; analysts are predicting that Intel will report a net loss of around $1 billion for the last quarter.

Insiders indicate that Qualcomm is still weighing its options and has not made a definitive decision regarding a potential acquisition of Intel. If such a move is pursued, the timing may also shift. Representatives from Qualcomm and Intel declined to comment on the matter, and the State Administration for Market Regulation in China also did not respond to Bloomberg’s request for feedback.