Texas Instruments to buy National Semiconductor for boatloads of cash

TI has announced that it is set to purchase National Semiconductor in an all-cash transaction. TI will layout $6.5 billion for National Semiconductor and says that the merger will unite two industry leaders with a common commitment to solving analog needs. TI notes that both firms will operate independently pending the close of the acquisition.

TI thinks that the acquisition will take six to nine months to complete. It would be safe to assume that time frame will depend on regulators that will have to eyeball a merger of this magnitude. Once combined TI notes that it will have 42,000 products covering a wide range of needs.

It will also have a sales force larger than any in the industry for better face-to-face support. TI also notes that the deal will expand its manufacturing capacity and bring the industry's first 300mm analog capability.