Qualcomm’s potential Intel buyout could raise antitrust, foundry concerns

A potential deal to buy Intel could accelerate Qualcomm’s diversification but will burden the smartphone chipmaker with a loss-making semiconductor manufacturing unit that it may struggle to turn around or sell, analysts said.

A buyout will also face tough antitrust scrutiny globally as it would unite two crucial chip firms in what would be the sector’s biggest ever deal, creating a behemoth with a strong share of the smartphone, personal computer and server markets.