Intel Identifies Potential Buyers for Altera Division in Next Bid Round

Investing.com -- Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) Corp. has narrowed down the list of potential buyers for its Altera unit in the next round of bidding, according to sources familiar with the situation. This move indicates progress in a process initiated by the chipmaker's former CEO amid challenging circumstances.

Among the private equity firms competing in the second round of bidding for Altera, a company specializing in low-power programmable chips, are Francisco Partners and Silver Lake Management. Lattice Semiconductor Corp. is also in contention.

According to the same sources, two firms, Apollo Global Management Inc. and Bain Capital, have also expressed interest in acquiring Altera.

Intel has given these prospective buyers until the end of January to formalize their offers. However, sources noted that more bidders could emerge, or the process could conclude without a sale.

When asked for comment, representatives from Intel, Apollo, Bain Capital, Francisco Partners, and Silver Lake declined to provide statements. A spokesperson for Lattice did not immediately respond to requests for comment.