Oracle-Backed Chipmaker Ampere Explores Potential Sale
(Bloomberg) -- Ampere Computing LLC, the semiconductor startup backed by Larry Ellison’s Oracle Corp., is exploring a potential sale, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
The chip designer has been working with a financial adviser in recent months to help field takeover interest, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. Santa Clara, California-based Ampere is open to talks with a larger industry player about a possible transaction, the people said.
The move suggests that Ampere doesn’t see an easy path to an initial public offering. Though the company stands to benefit from the continuing AI frenzy, the market has grown more competitive, with several large tech companies rushing to develop the same kinds of chips Ampere makes.
Ampere’s deliberations are ongoing and it could opt to remain independent, the people said. While it’s no longer pursuing an IPO in the near term, the company hasn’t ruled one out in the future, they added.
