Broadcom-SAS Acquisition Talks End with No Deal

Well, that was fast. Broadcom reportedly is no longer pursuing an acquisition of SAS Institute, the global software company.

According to Bloomberg, Broadcom and SAS acquisition talks have ended without a deal. It cites a person familiar with the matter.

Broadcom was reportedly in talks to acquire SAS in a deal potentially worth $15 billion-$20 billion. The Wall Street Journal said the two companies could finalize a deal in the coming weeks talks didn’t fall apart.

SAS is the world’s largest privately held software business. It generates about $3 billion in annual revenue.

SAS provides software applications. Those include business intelligence, data integration, fraud management, financial intelligence and IT management.

SAS’ Jim Goodnight

SAS confirmed its CEO Jim Goodnight sent a companywide email telling employees that the company was not for sale.

Broadcom and SAS didn’t respond to requests for comment. In its 2020 annual report, Broadcom said its growth strategy includes “acquiring or investing in businesses that offer complementary products, services and technologies, or enhance our market coverage or technological capabilities.”

SAS has customers in 145 countries. In addition, more than 82,000 business, government and university sites have installed SAS software.

According to Tracxn, Broadcom has made 36 acquisitions and three investments. The company has spent nearly $41 billion for the acquisitions.

For the second quarter of 2021, Broadcom reported $6.6 billion in revenue, up 15% from the year-ago quarter. It also reported nearly $3 billion in profit.