Update 2: 2015/2016 Semiconductor Mergers, Acquisitions

ARM has the potential to be a major force in IoT (Internet of Things).

“ARM's low-power chip designs have revolutionized mobile devices and are now powering smart home devices, smart meters, weather sensors, medical devices, and industrial equipment.
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ARM chips are also inside many sensor devices used in the fast-growing Internet of things market…”.

SoftBank wants to purchase of ARM in order to participate in the large growth of IoT. It is different from the consolidation of the semiconductor industry or the efforts of China the gain stronger foot hold in semiconductor.

Read more about the ARM acquisition in this PC World article:
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How ARM set itself up for a $32 billion acquisition