- Globalfoundries were spun off when AMD decided to go Fabress 16 years ago
- Thomas Caulfield’s leadership made Glofo profitable; Now rumors him to Intel
- A merger can help Intel but legislative obstacles may block the agreement
Globalfoundries (Gloflo) was founded in March 2009 when a fighting AMD spun out of its production department to go Fabless, one step designed to help it survive in the very competitive semiconductor industry.
Glofo eventually became a key player in founding business with a global production imprint throughout the United States, Europe and Asia focusing on special chips instead of competing in the leading edge. Under the leadership of Thomas Caulfield, who became CEO of 2018, Globalfoundries pursued a strategy that led it to become the third largest semiconductor foundation of revenue, and a public listing in 2021.
However, speculation is currently brewing that Caulfield could be set to become the next CEO of AMDS LONG TIME CHIP Rival, Intel. As reported by EENEWS EuropeRumors began to follow an unexpected leadership change on Globalfoundries. Caulfield is set to move from CEO to executive chairman with Tim Breen, who has also been in the company since 2018 and is taking over as CEO. This shift has led observers to question whether Caulfield may be preparing for a leadership role at Intel, who has been without a permanent CEO since Pat Gelsinger’s departure in December 2024.
Legislative obstacles
Caulfield has long experience in the manufacture of semiconductor, but has not led a product company as Intel. This has burned proposals that, instead of simply taking over as CEO, he could oversee a merger between Intel and Glofo. In such a scenario, EENEWS Europe suggests that Caulfield would become the executive chairman of the combined unit, where Michelle Johnston Holthaus leads Intel’s product business and Breen integrates global foundries into Intel Foundry.
A merger would certainly benefit both parties. While AMD has seen its fortunes hovering in recent times, Intel has fought. Joining the forces with Globalfoundries could allow the merged company to offer a wider range of manufacturing features.
Adding additional fuel to the rumor mill, EENEWS Europe Reports that observers for a Reddit Stream noted a recent purchase of 8,913,000 Intel shares for $ 19.29. This unusual transaction took place two days before Globalfoundries announced its leadership changes, making comparisons with the $ 172 million share incentive, which was given to gelsinger when he became Intel’s CEO in 2021.
Of course, any potential merger would face legislative obstacles, especially in China, which previously blocked Intel’s attempt to acquire Tower Semiconductor. If approval proves to be difficult, EENEWS Europe suggests Intel could appoint Caulfield as CEO while maintaining close ties with global foundries.
