STMicroelectronics has announced plans to acquire NXP’s MEMS sensors business in a deal worth up to $950 million. The transaction includes $900 million in upfront cash, with an additional $50 million contingent on achieving specific technical milestones. If approved, the acquisition will significantly strengthen ST’s position in the global sensor market, particularly across automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
The move brings together two highly complementary MEMS portfolios. ST is already a leading player in motion, environmental, and pressure sensors, while NXP’s MEMS business has focused on automotive safety systems and industrial sensing. By combining these strengths, ST expects to accelerate its development roadmap and increase market share in key growth segments such as vehicle dynamics, electrification, and edge sensing.
Strength in Automotive Safety and Industrial Sensing
NXP’s MEMS division generated approximately $300 million in revenue during 2024, and according to ST, the unit’s gross and operating margins are both significantly accretive. The acquisition will add a well-established product line that includes pressure sensors, accelerometers, and tire pressure monitoring (TPMS) solutions used in airbags, engine control, and automotive safety platforms.
ST will also take on a skilled R&D team, a catalogue of established customer relationships with Tier 1 automotive suppliers, and a portfolio of IP aligned with emerging safety, automation, and connectivity requirements.
“With this acquisition, we’re reinforcing our long-term commitment to MEMS and sensors innovation,” said Marco Cassis, President of ST’s Analog, Power & Discrete, MEMS and Sensors Group. “It expands our technology base, customer reach, and product offering across automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.”
A Strategic Exit for NXP
For NXP, the sale marks a strategic realignment. Jens Hinrichsen, EVP at NXP, noted that although the company has seen strong traction in automotive MEMS, the business no longer aligns with its long-term roadmap. “We’ve agreed that this product line is a better strategic fit within ST’s portfolio, and we’re pleased that the team will continue their work in an organisation with a clear MEMS focus,” he said.
The deal highlights the increasing importance of MEMS in enabling advanced automotive features, from crash detection and TPMS to predictive maintenance and real-time environmental monitoring. According to ST, MEMS-based inertial sensors in vehicles are projected to outpace broader market growth over the next several years.
Expected to Close in H1 2026
The acquisition will be funded entirely from ST’s existing liquidity and is expected to be accretive to earnings per share upon completion. Subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, the deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026.
With this move, STMicroelectronics is doubling down on its integrated device manufacturing (IDM) strategy, combining in-house design, advanced packaging, and silicon fabrication to shorten innovation cycles and deliver customised solutions at scale.
Learn more and read the original announcement here.
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