Renesas Finalizes $5.9bn Altium Acquisition

Renesas Electronics, a leading semiconductor company based in Japan, has successfully finalized the acquisition of Altium, an Australian design tool developer. The acquisition, valued at A$9.1 billion (Y887.9bn, US$5.9bn), was first announced in February. This strategic move will bring together Altium's expertise in electronics system design and lifecycle management with Renesas' development tools.

By integrating and standardizing various electronic design data and functions, the collaboration aims to enhance component lifecycle management and streamline the digital iteration of design processes. The ultimate goal is to boost overall productivity and provide an improved user experience for electronics system designers.

Before sealing the deal with Altium, Renesas had engaged in a strategic partnership with the company in June 2023. This move followed the rejection of a $4 billion takeover bid by Autodesk in 2021. The acquisition of Altium represents a significant milestone for both Renesas and Altium, paving the way for innovative advancements in the field of electronics design.

According to Hidetoshi Shibata, CEO of Renesas, "This is a historical milestone for both Renesas and Altium as we take another important step forward in bringing enhanced user experience for electronics system designers. The integrated and open electronics system design and lifecycle management platform we aim to build together will make electronics accessible to a broader market, for any enterprises regardless of their size or industry."

Altium, originally listed in Australia but headquartered in San Diego, US, is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Renesas. Altium CEO Aram Mirkazemi has assumed the role of Senior Vice President and Head of Renesas’ Software & Digitalization. Mirkazemi expressed his excitement about the future collaboration, stating, "With Renesas’ support and expertise, we are looking forward to accelerating the cloud-enablement of all industry processes associated with electronics design and development."