Taiwan's major chipmaker United Microelectronics and US-based GlobalFoundries are exploring the possibility of a merger, the Nikkei reported this week, citing an assessment plan seen by the newspaper.
A combined entity would establish a larger US-based firm with a global manufacturing footprint spanning Asia, the United States and Europe, according to the report.
The news of a potential deal comes as the US seeks to strengthen its semiconductor supply chain amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait and increasing competition from China in the mature chip market.
The merged company, according to the Nikkei report, would prioritise research and development investments in the US and could potentially emerge as a viable alternative to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), the world's leading chipmaker.
GlobalFoundries and UMC did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
GlobalFoundries has a market capitalisation of US$20.40 billion, while UMC is currently valued at US$16.90 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
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