To reinforce further its global sensors business, STMicroelectronics has announced plans to acquire the MEMS sensor business of NXP Semiconductors.

Specifically, the acquisition will focus on automotive safety products as well as sensors for industrial applications to expand ST’s MEMS sensors technology portfolio. Therefore, unlocking new opportunities for development across automotive, industrial and consumer applications.

STMicroelectronics and NXP have agreed on a purchase price of up to US$950 million in cash.

Fits Ideally to ST’s Portfolio

Marco Cassis, President, Analog, Power & Discrete, MEMS and Sensors Group of STMicroelectronics said the “planned acquisition” is a great fit for ST, being an integrated device manufacturer (IDM) company.

In addition, Cassis said, “These highly complementary technologies and customer relationships, focused on automotive safety and industrial technologies, will strengthen our position in sensors across key segments in automotive, industrial and consumer applications. By leveraging our IDM model, with technology R&D, product design and advanced manufacturing, we will better serve all our customers worldwide.”

Jens Hinrichsen, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Analog and Automotive Embedded Systems at NXP said the company is a leading supplier of automotive MEMS-based motion and pressure sensors. However, the company saw fit that the said business does not fit anymore into NXP’s long-term strategic direction.

“We have agreed with STMicroelectronics that the product line will fit ideally into ST’s portfolio, manufacturing footprint and strategic roadmap. We are gratified that the MEMS sensor team will have an excellent home and long-term future at ST,” said Hinrichsen.

Reinforce MEMS Tech Portfolio

NXP’s MEMS sensors portfolio ST plans to acquire primarily targets automotive safety sensors, both passive (airbags) and active (vehicle dynamics), as well as monitoring sensors (TPMS1, engine management, convenience, and security). It also includes pressure sensors and accelerometers for industrial applications.

For that reason, ST can leverage strong, established customer relationships with automotive Tier1s with its innovation roadmap in a rapidly expanding MEMS automotive market. MEMS technologies increasingly enable advanced functionalities for safety, electrification, automation, and connected vehicles, paving the way for future revenue growth.

Accordingly, MEMS inertial sensors in automotive are likely grow at a faster pace than the broader MEMS market. The business to be acquired generated about US$300 million revenues in 2024.

The planned acquisition will enhance ST’s MEMS technology, product R&D capabilities and roadmap, with leading IP, technology and products for automotive safety applications and highly skilled R&D teams. The expanded business will take advantage of ST’s Integrated Device Manufacturer model for MEMS, which involves every stage of MEMS development, from design and manufacturing to testing and packaging, enabling faster innovation cycles and greater flexibility for customization.

28 July 2025