Communications chip maker Broadcom is to take over network chip specialist Netlogic Microsystems in a 3.7-billion-dollar deal, the companies announced Monday, according to dpa. Broadcomm said the deal would allow it to improve its infrastructure offerings to customers, who include many of the world's leading makers of smartphones and other advanced communications devices - including Apple's iPhone and iPad and a broad range of phones running Google's Android operating system. Netlogic's main products include chips for internet routers as well as for cellphone networks. "Broadcom is now better positioned to meet growing customer demand for integrated, end-to-end communications and processing platforms for network infrastructure," said Scott McGregor, Broadcom's president and chief executive. The companies said the deal has been approved by both boards of directors but still needs US and international regulatory approvals. The deal price of 50 dollars per share represented a 57-per-cent premium on Netlogic's previous closing price.
