Synopsys’ purchase of Ansys raises competition concerns in the supply of semiconductor chip design and light simulation products in the UK – but deal could be approved by the CMA if its concerns are resolved.

Source: Competition and Markets Authority

20 December 2024 -- The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that Synopsys’ proposed purchase of Ansys for $35 billion could reduce competition in the supply of certain semiconductor chip design and light simulation products in the UK.  

Semiconductor chips are crucial components in technologies used every day by UK consumers (such as smartphones and laptops) and also in key sectors including artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. Light simulation software is used for a wide range of light-related products such as camera lenses, TV displays, car headlights and lasers. Synopsys and Ansys are two major suppliers in the semiconductor chip design and light simulation software sector and their products help a broad range of customers and industries.  

Having assessed the evidence, the CMA believes the merger could reduce choice for customers – which tend to be major companies that operate globally and in the UK – that rely on these software products. This could lead to a loss of innovation, lower quality software and/or higher prices which may then be passed onto UK businesses and consumers. 

During its Phase 1 investigation, the CMA examined the impact of the merger across a wide range of semiconductor chip design and light simulation software markets, looking at the extent to which Synopsys and Ansys currently compete or may do so in the future. The CMA found that while the products the companies offer are largely complementary, the deal could reduce competition in the supply of three software products where Synopsys and Ansys have strong market positions and compete closely with one another.  

The CMA’s concerns are in relation to:  

• global register transfer level power consumption analysis, which is used to check how much power a chip consumes and requires to function  

• global optics software and global photonics software, which are used to design and model light-related products 

Synopsys and Ansys now have the opportunity to submit proposals to address the CMA’s concerns. If suitable proposals are not submitted, the CMA will progress to an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.

Naomi Burgoyne, Senior Director of Mergers at the CMA, said: 

Synopsys and Ansys are important suppliers of semiconductor chip design and light simulation software, and we’re concerned that this deal could reduce innovation and lead to higher prices for these products in the UK. 

Millions of businesses and consumers in the UK use products that rely on these companies’ software every day, whether that’s consumer electronic devices, medical equipment, modern vehicles or even AI. â�¯â�¯ 

The companies now have the opportunity to offer solutions to address our concerns, otherwise the deal will be referred to an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.â�¯ 

More information on this case is available on the  Synopsys / Ansys case page.

Notes to Editors:

1. Synopsys Inc is a US-based supplier of electronic design automation (EDA) software used in the design of semiconductor chips. Ansys Inc supplies simulation and analysis (S&A) software which is used across various industries including semiconductor design, as well as aerospace, automotive and construction. 

2. The CMA also looked at whether Synopsys or Ansys offer software products which are important inputs for their competitors, and if so, whether they could limit their rivals’ access to these. The CMA also considered whether they could degrade or remove interoperability between their products and those of rivals. Ultimately, the CMA did not find concerns in relation to this. 

3. Under the Enterprise Act 2002 (the Act) the CMA has a duty to make a reference to Phase 2 if the CMA believes that it is or may be the case that a relevant merger situation has been created, or arrangements are in progress or contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation; and the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK for goods or services. Guidance on the CMA’s mergers jurisdiction and procedure can be read  here. 

4. The merger is subject to a number of merger investigations in other jurisdictions including in the EU, US, China, Japan and South Korea and the CMA has engaged closely with certain other agencies reviewing the merger throughout its investigation as appropriate. 

5. All media enquiries should be directed to the CMA press office by email on  press@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6460.