The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that Synopsys’ proposed purchase of Ansys for $35 billion could reduce competition in the supply of certain semiconductor chip design and light simulation products in the UK.
Semiconductor chips are crucial components in technologies used every day by UK consumers (such as smartphones and laptops) and also in key sectors including artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. Light simulation software is used for a wide range of light-related products such as camera lenses, TV displays, car headlights and lasers. Synopsys and Ansys are two major suppliers in the semiconductor chip design and light simulation software sector and their products help a broad range of customers and industries.
Having assessed the evidence, the CMA believes the merger could reduce choice for customers – which tend to be major companies that operate globally and in the UK – that rely on these software products. This could lead to a loss of innovation, lower quality software and/or higher prices which may then be passed onto UK…
