Synopsys (SNPS, Financials) and Ansys (ANSS, Financials) just hit a speed bump. U.S. regulators say the two software giants can merge — but only if they give up some assets to avoid hurting competition.
The Federal Trade Commission flagged overlap in tools both firms sell for chip design and product simulation — tech that powers everything from smartphones to EVs. Without changes, the agency warned the deal could raise costs and limit innovation.
Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi said the merger has cleared nearly every global regulator except China. Talks there are still ongoing, but he's optimistic the deal wraps by mid-2025.
No word yet on which assets must go, but analysts say the fix seems manageable — and keeps the deal on track.
This is one of the biggest plays in the semiconductor software space. How regulators handle it could shape the future of M&A in AI and chip design.
