The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a consent order that requires Synopsys, Inc. and Ansys, Inc. to divest certain assets in order to address antitrust concerns related to their $35 billion merger.
According to the FTC, the order is intended to maintain competition in several software tool markets that are important for designing semiconductors and light simulation devices. The agency alleged that the merger would have removed direct competition between Synopsys and Ansys in three key software tool markets, which could have resulted in higher prices and reduced innovation for semiconductor and light simulation device design.
Under the terms of the order, Synopsys must divest its optical software tools and photonic software tools. Ansys will divest its power consumption analysis tool, PowerArtist. Both companies will transfer these assets to Keysight Technologies, Inc. The FTC stated that without these divestitures, the merger could have negatively impacted device manufacturers and consumers.
After a period for public comment, the Commission voted unanimously, 3-0, to approve the final order.
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