NXP Semiconductors announced it will acquire the Cellular Communications Business of Silicon Laboratories Inc. for US$285 million [approximately 220 million Euro equivalent] in cash.

NXP may pay up to an additional US$65million [approximately 50 million Euro equivalent] contingent upon the achievement of certain milestones in the next three years. The assets to be acquired include the RF CMOS technology based transceivers for cellular phones, as well as the monolithic cellular systems chips. The business to be acquired had a revenue of approximately US$176 million in 2006. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2007, subject to closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

"The combination of Silicon Labs' RFCMOS capabilities for transceivers and cellular system chips with NXP?s existing 2G and 3G system solutions will result in a unique and powerful combination for mobile phone manufacturers who demand highly functional, integrated solutions with clear cost-down roadmaps," reads the NXP press release.

The acquisition will also enable NXP to enhance its existing cellular operations by increasing its leadership in system solution with monolithic ICs for low-end phones and strengthen the company?s RF transceiver business. Silicon Labs chips have been built into over 380 million mobile phones covering more than 600 mobile handset models. The Silicon Labs team will be incorporated into NXP?s Mobile and Personal Business, which produces solutions for the cellular systems, connectivity, personal multimedia, sound solutions and cordless/VoIP markets.

Approximately 160 employees of Silicon Labs wireless operations will be merged with NXP.