Lattice Deal May Hit A Snag

Junko Yoshida, EETimes
11/29/2016 00:52 AM EST

MADISON, Wis. — A buyer with ties to the Chinese central government and a U.S. company whose technology has potential for dual-purpose applications is an alarming combination that could invite suspicion among regulators concerned about national security. In theory, it could trip up any proposed acquisition involving U.S. tech firms.

This scenario might become the case with a deal announced earlier this month in which Canyon Bridge Capital Partners agreed to buy U.S.-based chip maker Lattice Semiconductor Corp for $1.3 billion.

Reuters reported Monday (Nov. 28) that Canyon Bridge Capital Partners “is funded partly by cash originating from China's central government and also has indirect links to its space program, Chinese corporate filings show.” Reuters, in a review of about a dozen filings from China's state-run corporate register, has concluded that “the financial investment in Canyon Bridge originates from China’s State Council, the top decision-making body of the government.”

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