PMC-Sierra Acquires Some Maxim’s Assets

PMC-Sierra, Inc., a semiconductor company transforming storage, optical and mobile networks, has acquired Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.‘s 12Gb/s SAS expander‘s technology.

PMC expects the acquisition will strengthen its SAS design footprint with server OEMs. Combined with PMC’s 12Gb/s SAS RoC products, Maxim’s expander technology enables PMC to offer end-to-end 12Gb/s SAS solutions tailored for server platforms. Continued support for Maxim’s server expander firmware will preserve OEM investment as they transition from 6Gb/s SAS to 12Gb/s SAS.

"The acquisition of Maxim’s 12Gb/s SAS technology allows PMC to strengthen our relationships with tier-one server OEMs and provides future growth opportunities in this market segment," said Greg Lang, PMC’s president and CEO. "I’m excited about this acquisition and the strong strategic fit between PMC’s core strengths in enterprise storage, and Maxim’s established traction with expander solutions at the largest server storage OEMs. Our server and storage OEM customers will benefit from a broader 12Gb/s SAS portfolio that includes Maxim’s highly valued feature set and innovations."

"This transfer of our SAS and PCIe switch IP, know-how, and development team allows PMC to continue the 12G SAS expander roadmap that builds on Maxim’s current 3G and 6G SAS expander technology and products," said Chris Neil, senior vice president, Maxim. "PMC will manage these next-generation products, roadmaps, IP, firmware, and technologies going forward. Maxim will continue to support the production, delivery, and technical support of Maxim’s existing 3G and 6G SAS expanders, signal conditioners, and enclosure and baseboard management controllers. This arrangement will provide for a smooth transition at our customers."

The majority of the personnel employed from Maxim are located in Colorado Springs, CO.

Maxim makes an integrated analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and reported revenue of approximately $2.5 billion for fiscal 2011.