Wednesday, May 21,2008 @ 7:20pm
Military investigates PA Semi acquisition
Apple’s recent acquisition of PA Semiconductor is being reviewed by the US Department of Defense, since the latter company’s processor chipsets power many of the military’s portable devices. According to the EETimes, the acquisition left PA Semi’s future lines of processors in an uncertain state, while Apple has said it would provide legacy support for the military. The Department of Defense said the component is an important and unique part of its integrated electronics systems.
“The Department of Defense had extensive discussions with various prime contractors and subcontractors on the matter," said an investigator for the department’s industrial policy unit. "We discussed our findings with the FTC and Apple. The issue is still a matter under discussion.”
When approached for comment, Apple again said little, stating that it does not comment on its intents and purposes for technology acquisitions.