A TSMC/Foxconn consortium may be just one alternative to NVIDIA's ARM acquisition

NVIDIA is currently described as being at an advanced stage in its multi-billion-dollar bid to buy ARM outright. SoftBank are reportedly in a position where they may need to sell this company, which holds much of the crucial intellectual property (IP) on which the development and function of the most important computing platforms of today depends.

However, it appears its Japanese owner is considering all its options carefully before completing this deal with the graphics giant. One of these, according to Nikkei Asian Review, involves pitching it to Foxconn and TSMC as alternative buyers. The publication claims that the 2 chip-suppliers have been given relevant financial data and projections on which they can base their decision.

However, neither company has confirmed the receipt of this material. In addition, TSMC is notoriously cautious about investments such as these, especially in the case of an outlay necessary to acquire ARM, even in part. On that note, this firm may be more likely to consider a stake rather than a wholesale purchase, as may Foxconn.

Alternatively, the pair are also now linked to the possibility of forming a consortium that rivals NVIDIA in its current talks with SoftBank. However, all this may come to nothing as the group may ultimately decided to simply re-list ARM in the future. It is possible the architecture-specialist's value may rise should this come to pass.