Synopsys announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Processor IP Solutions business to GlobalFoundries, a move the chip design software and IP provider framed as part of a broader effort to concentrate its IP roadmap on interface and foundation offerings and pursue higher-value, AI-driven opportunities from cloud to edge.
Under the deal, GlobalFoundries will acquire Synopsys’ processor IP portfolio, including ARC-V (RISC-V) and ARC CPU IP, DSP IP, Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU) IP, and related software development tools such as ARC MetaWare Development Toolkits. The agreement also covers Synopsys’ ASIP Designer and ASIP Programmer tools, which are used to automate the design and implementation of application-specific instruction-set processors (ASIPs).
Synopsys said the transaction reflects disciplined portfolio management while it continues to invest in engineering solutions spanning silicon to systems. The company added that it will continue to support the broader processor ecosystem through its EDA tool suite, emphasizing performance, power and area (PPA)-optimized flows for processor implementation, verification, signoff and electronics digital twins.
GlobalFoundries, one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, said the acquisition aligns with its strategy around “Physical AI,” positioning the company to pair processor IP with its manufacturing capabilities. The company said the combination would lower barriers for customers adopting technologies aimed at next-generation compute and AI applications, and strengthen its technology roadmap.
Synopsys said it will retain and continue to grow its broader design IP portfolio, including logic libraries, embedded memories, interface IP, security IP, and subsystems. The company also said the divestiture is not material to its overall business and that financial terms were not disclosed.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including required regulatory approvals. Until closing, the Processor IP Solutions business will continue to operate within Synopsys, with both companies stating they intend to support customers through the transition without disruption.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are focusing our IP resources and roadmap to further our leadership in essential interface and foundation IP while winning new, high-value opportunities that advance our position as the leading provider of engineering solutions from silicon to systems.” “GF will be an excellent future steward for the processor IP solutions business, and we are committed to a smooth transition for the team, customers and partners.”
Sassine Ghazi, President and CEO, Synopsys
“This acquisition doubles down on our commitment to advancing our leadership in Physical AI. By combining Synopsys’ ARC IP and MIPS technologies with GF’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, we are lowering the barrier for customer adoption of the essential technologies that our customers need to innovate faster for the next-generation of compute and AI applications.” “This move will strengthen our differentiated technology roadmap and position GF to deliver end-to-end solutions for our customers that will support the expansion of AI-enabled devices into the physical world.”
Tim Breen, CEO, GlobalFoundries
