ARM swallows Apical in $350m deal

The FTSE 100 firm said the acquisition accelerates it ecosystem’s growth into new markets such as connected vehicles, robotics, smart cities, security systems, industrial and retail applications, and devices connected to the so-called ‘internet of things’.

Apical technology would also extend ARM’s product portfolio in existing markets such as smartphones and cameras, it said.

The acquisition closed on 17 May for a cash consideration of $350m, ARM’s board confirmed.

“Computer vision is in the early stages of development and the world of devices powered by this exciting technology can only grow from here," said Simon Segars, CEO of ARM.

"Apical is at the forefront of embedded computer vision technology, building on its leadership in imaging products that already enable intelligent devices to deliver amazing new user experiences.”

Segars said the ARM partnership is solving technical challenges of next-generation products such as driverless cars and sophisticated security systems.

“These solutions rely on the creation of dedicated image computing solutions and Apical's technologies will play a crucial role in their delivery,” he added.

Apical founder and CEO Michael Tusch said the company has led the way with new imaging technologies based on extensive research into human vision and visual processing.

“The products developed by Apical already enable cameras to understand their environment and to act on the most relevant information by employing intelligent processing.

“These technologies will advance as part of ARM, driving value for its partners as they push deeper into markets where visual computing will deliver a transformation in device capabilities and the way humans interact with machines,” Tusch explained.