Intel considers making an offer for Broadcom

Intel Corp. is considering a bid for Broadcom as part of a range of acquisition alternatives in reaction to the Singaporebased chipmaker’s bid for U.S. rival Qualcomm, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Intel is keeping a close eye on the $117 billion takeover battle and is eager for Broadcom to fail, because the combined company would pose a competitive threat, the Journal reported. If Broadcom seems set to prevail, Intel could step in with its own offer, the newspaper reported. Intel has been considering such a move since late last year and is working with advisers, according to the Journal.

While Intel isn’t ruling out an eventual approach to Broadcom, there are no takeover discussions underway, and that outcome isn’t the most likely one, according to a person with knowledge of the matter contacted by Bloomberg News who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations.