NXP has acquired Sheffield-based wireless chip firm Jennic.
"The acquisition will see Jennic's portfolio of 802.15.4 and Zigbee low power RF solutions integrated across a wide range of NXP products," said the buyer. "Together, this provides NXP with a comprehensive wireless semiconductor platform for emerging technologies including eMetering, smart lighting, building automation, asset tracking and device remote controls."
NXP paid around $12.2m for the company, plus "up to $7.8m in additional consideration over the next two years if Jennic meets certain performance targets".
Approximately 50 UK-based employees will transfer to NXP.
"Innovation in low power wireless RF technology is driving significant demand for new applications and usage models across a broad range of industries," said Rick Clemmer, president and CEO of NXP.
Fabless Jennic has a full suite of 802.15.4 technology, including software stacks for Zigbee PRO, 6LowPAN and RF4CE, as well as its own 32bit RISC processor cores.
It products include transceivers, chips and modules for wireless communications.
"We strongly believe that 802.15.4 short-range wireless technology has potential to both enable a number of new applications, and replace traditional communications across a range of industries," said Alexander Everke, general manager of mixed signal chips at NXP.