The Federal Trade Commission finalized a consent order that requires Synopsys, Inc. and Ansys, Inc. to divest certain assets to resolve antitrust concerns surrounding their $35 billion merger.

The FTC’s final consent order preserves competition across several software tool markets that are critical for the design of semiconductors and light simulation devices. 

The final consent order resolves FTC allegations that the deal would eliminate head-to-head competition between Synopsys and Ansys in three critical software tool markets, leading to higher prices for the design of semiconductors and light simulation devices, as well as decreased innovation. Under the order, Synopsys is required to divest its optical software tools and its photonic software tools, while Ansys will divest a power consumption analysis tool called PowerArtist. Both Synopsys and Ansys will divest their assets to Keysight Technologies, Inc. Without the divestitures, the FTC alleged that the deal would ultimately harm device manufacturers and consumers. 

Following a public comment period, the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the final order.

FTC Finalizes Divestiture Order for Synopsys and Ansys Merger

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a consent order mandating Synopsys, Inc. and Ansys, Inc. to divest specific assets to alleviate antitrust issues linked to their proposed $35 billion merger.

 This order aims to maintain competition in several software tool markets essential for semiconductor design and light simulation devices. The FTC had raised concerns that the merger would eliminate direct competition between the two companies in three key software tool markets, potentially resulting in increased prices and reduced innovation.

 As part of the consent order, Synopsys is required to divest its optical and photonic software tools, while Ansys will divest its PowerArtist tool, which analyzes power consumption. Both companies will transfer these assets to Keysight Technologies, Inc. The FTC argued that without these divestitures, the merger would negatively impact device manufacturers and consumers.

 After a public comment period, the Commission voted unanimously, 3-0, to approve the final order.



FTC Finalizes Divestiture Order for Synopsys and Ansys Merger

The Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order requiring Synopsys and Ansys to divest certain assets to address antitrust concerns related to their $35 billion merger.