Germany: Federal Cartel Office approved Qualcomm-Alphawave merger

On 24 November 2025, the Federal Cartel Office (FCO) approved the Qualcomm-Alphawave merger. Qualcomm (US) develops semiconductors, primarily for use in vehicles, internet of things applications, and mobile devices. Alphawave (UK) develops high-speed wireless connectivity solutions used in semiconductors known as SerDes IP, which is used for semiconductors that develop artificial intelligence systems. Qualcomm intends to become a chip provider for data centres. The FCO approved the merger, reasoning that, while Alphawave holds a strong market position with regard to currently used SerDes IP transmission rates, it faces strong competition from other providers in relation to the development of the next generation of solutions.