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China Postpones Approval of $35 Billion Synopsys-Ansys Merger Amid Rising Trade Tensions

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China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has delayed its approval of the $35 billion merger between U.S. software companies Synopsys and Ansys, according to a Financial Times report on Friday. The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump tightened export controls targeting China’s access to advanced semiconductor design software and other sensitive technologies.

The delay underscores the escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, even as they reached a tentative trade truce during talks in London earlier this week. The current dispute follows China’s previous curbs on mineral exports, prompting the Trump administration to respond with additional restrictions. These include stricter controls on exports of semiconductor design software — a key area of Synopsys’s business — as well as jet engines and various advanced goods destined for China.

The Synopsys-Ansys merger had reached the final stage of the Chinese regulatory process and was widely expected to receive approval by the end of June. However, U.S. actions in late May banning chip design software sales to China added new complications to the review, according to sources cited by the Financial Times.

Neither Synopsys nor Ansys have publicly commented on the reported delay. Reuters, which also attempted to verify the report, said Synopsys declined to comment, while Ansys and Chinese regulators have not responded to inquiries.

The Trump administration’s latest export controls form part of a broader strategy aimed at limiting China’s access to technologies that could enhance its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and, potentially, its military strength. Washington has also revoked export licenses previously granted to certain suppliers, significantly tightening restrictions on U.S. technology shipments to China.

In a separate development, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last month required Synopsys and Ansys to divest certain assets to address domestic antitrust concerns related to the merger. Synopsys CEO has previously confirmed that the company has obtained regulatory clearances for the deal in all jurisdictions except China.

The $35 billion merger, if completed, would combine two of the most important players in electronic design automation (EDA) and engineering simulation software — sectors crucial for the development of next-generation semiconductors and complex industrial systems.

UK Competition Regulator Approves $35 Billion Synopsys-Ansys Merger

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The UK’s competition regulator has approved the $35 billion acquisition of Ansys by Synopsys after accepting specific remedies from the companies. With this decision, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed it would not escalate the review to a more in-depth Phase 2 investigation.

Initially, the watchdog raised concerns in December that the merger could reduce innovation and lead to higher prices. However, Synopsys and Ansys addressed these issues, paving the way for regulatory approval.

Synopsys, a leading provider of chip design software, announced the cash-and-stock deal for Ansys in January. Ansys specializes in simulation software used across various industries, from aerospace to consumer goods. The approval marks a significant milestone for the merger, which aims to expand Synopsys’ footprint beyond semiconductor design into broader engineering and simulation markets.

UK Watchdog May Accept Remedies in Synopsys-Ansys $35 Billion Deal

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The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Wednesday that it may accept the remedies proposed by Synopsys and Ansys to resolve concerns about their $35 billion merger. The deal, which was announced in January last year, involves Synopsys acquiring Ansys, a company known for its software used in industries ranging from aerospace to sports equipment.

The CMA stated that the remedies, offered on December 31, involve the divestment of certain products: Ansys will sell its power consumption analysis product for digital chips, and Synopsys will divest its global optics and photonics software business.

The watchdog now has until March 5 to decide whether to approve these remedies, with the option to extend the deadline until May 6. A Synopsys spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the CMA’s decision, emphasizing that the companies are committed to maintaining a “constructive and collaborative engagement” with the regulator.