Infineon Technologies is to buy the automotive Ethernet business from Marvell for $2.5bn in cash as a route into humanoid robot designs.
The move is part of the increasing focus on software defined vehicles and provides Infineon with key networking capability to integrate with its Aurix automotive microcontrollers. It will also drive more designs for humanoid robots using its microcontrollers, says Infineon’s CEO.
The Brightlane Automotive Ethernet portfolio and related assets generate revenue of $225-250 million, so Infineon is paying a hefty 10x multiple for the business. This multiple is buying a pipeline of $4bn design-ins io the next five years from 50 automotive manufacturers, including eight of the top ten car makers.
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The deal covers the PHY transceivers, switches and bridges that support network data rates from 100 Mbit/s up to 10Gbit/s with security and safety features.
“The acquisition is a great strategic fit for Infineon as the global number one provider of semiconductor solutions to the automotive industry,” said Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon. “We will leverage this highly complementary Ethernet technology by combining it with our existing, broad product portfolio to provide our customers with even more comprehensive, leading solutions for software-defined vehicles. The transaction will support our profitable growth strategy going forward, including new opportunities in the field of physical AI such as humanoid robots.”
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The deal has been approved by Marvell’s Board of Directors, and is expected to close before the end of the year subject to regulatory approvals. “Marvell has transformed itself into a leading data infrastructure solutions provider, with the data centre end market driving 75% of consolidated revenue in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025,” said Matt Murphy, Chairman and CEO of Marvell.
“We are immensely proud of the progress we have made in organically growing our Automotive Ethernet business. We believe this transaction delivers the strongest financial return for Marvell shareholders, given its compelling valuation. With Infineon’s optimized platform for automotive applications, we are confident the Automotive Ethernet business is well positioned for continued growth and success.”
www.infineon.com; www.marvell.com
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