And there’s also Nvidia investing $4 billion in two advanced optics technology companies, and ASML’s expertise in front-end litho giving it an edge in developing packaging tools…
As is customary, let’s take them in reverse order as according to Google Analytics:
5. Rohm licenses TSMC GaN process technology
Rohm is licensing TSMC’s GaN process technology and installing it at its Hamamatsu fab. Rohm has been running a GaN process at Hamamatsu for four years, initially with a 150V process and, since 2023, with a 650V process. The company intends to have the TSMC process up and running in 2027. In 2024 Rohm and TSMC agreed to collaborate on automotive GaN.
4. MWC: Telecom companies and Nvidia pursue AI-RAN in 6G
Nvidia has hooked up with Booz Allen, BT, Cisco, Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, MITRE, Nokia, OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation, ODC, SK Telecom, SoftBank and T-Mobile — to build 6G networks on AI-native, open, secure and trustworthy platforms. 6G wireless networks will become the fabric for enabling autonomous machines, vehicles, sensors and robots. By embedding AI across the RAN, edge and core, 6G networks must enable secure integrated sensing and communications, intelligence and decision-making while supporting interoperability and supply-chain resilience.
3. RS buys BPX
RS Group has bought BPX Group, a UK and Ireland-based specialist distributor of industrial automation and control (“A&C”) products, for an Enterprise Value (cash-free debt-free) of £27 million and a deferred earn-out of up to £3 million payable subject to achievement of agreed FY 2026 EBITDA performance targets. The consideration represents an acquisition multiple of around 10x reported EBIT on a 12-month basis to 31 October 2025. BPX Group, founded more than 50 years ago, specialises in supporting industrial customers with technical automation and control solutions in UK and Ireland.
2. Nvidia invests $4bn in Lumentum and Coherent for optical interconnect
Nvidia is investing $2 billion each in Lumentum and Coherent to accelerate innovation in advanced optics technologies to enable AI infrastructure and systems designs. In both cases the deals also include multi-billion purchase commitments. “Together with Lumentum, Nvidia is advancing the world’s most sophisticated silicon photonics to build the next generation of gigawatt-scale AI factories,” says its CEO Jensen Huang.
1. ASML looking at expanding into packaging
As stacked chips in chiplet packaging use finer geometry technology, ASML’s unmatched expertise in front-end litho gives it an edge in developing packaging tools. According to CTO Marco Pieters: “We look at what are potential directions the industry could take, and what would it require in terms of packaging, bonding, etc,” he told Reuters. “We’re actually researching to what extent we can participate in it, or what we can add to that part of the business. One of the things I’m doing is also looking at what could be a product portfolio in that direction.”
