US President Donald Trump blocked Qualcomm's bid to buy from Singapore-based rival Broadcom, citing “national security” reasons. According to Trump, the $ 140 billion proposal “threatens US national security,” a stance firmly rejected by Broadcom. Qualcomm was already trying to resist the unsolicited purchase offer. Both companies are engaged in the design and manufacture of microprocessors and other components for computers and computer networks. Qualcomm is among the largest smartphone processor manufacturers. An acquisition would have led to the creation of the third largest microchip maker after US-based Intel and South Korean Samsung. It would also have been the largest acquisition in the history of the industry, given the size of the offer. Many observers have pointed out that Trump's decision is more linked to trade protectionism, a subject dear to the president, than to actual national security concerns.
