RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD), a global leader in the design and manufacture of high performance radio systems and solutions for applications that drive mobile communications, announced it has signed an agreement to sell the majority of its Bluetooth® assets to QUALCOMM for $39 M. The pending transaction is expected to provide QUALCOMM access to next-generation Bluetooth technology. RFMD anticipates the transaction will enable it to increase its focus on its highest growth wireless business opportunities, including cellular transceivers, cellular power amplifiers, wireless local area network (WLAN) power amplifiers, global positioning system (GPS) components and Gallium Nitride (GaN) high power amplifiers.

Under the agreement, QUALCOMM will acquire the majority of RFMD's Bluetooth assets, including intellectual property, related to RFMD's next-generation SiW1722 and RF4000 series. From a product standpoint, RFMD will retain and continue to support its CDMA products SiW1712 and SiW1721, as well as its SoC Bluetooth products, the SiW3000 and SiW3500. These products represent the majority of RFMD's Bluetooth product revenue to date.

"The sale of these Bluetooth assets to QUALCOMM will enable RFMD to accelerate its expansion into new markets while streamlining its world class cost structure," said RFMD president and CEO Bob Bruggeworth. "RFMD also looks forward to working with QUALCOMM with products complementary to their portfolio such as cellular PAs and WLAN front-end modules."

"The sale of these assets marks the first time the companies have worked together on this scale," said Jerry Neal, RFMD executive vice president of Marketing and Strategic Development. "We are pleased our long-term relationship with QUALCOMM continues to evolve. In addition, we look forward to continuing our support of current Bluetooth customers and will work to ensure they receive the same superior service."

"We are pleased to be working with RFMD on this transaction and look forward to enhancing the momentum and relationship between the two companies," said Behrooz Abdi, senior vice president and general manager for QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. "As with all of our development partners, QUALCOMM looks forward to increased opportunities and a mutually beneficial relationship with RFMD."