Rumour reckons Intel launching hostile ATI bid

FIDELITY.COM runs a rum rumour to the effect that Intel (tick: INTC) could bid $23 for ATI to woo it away from an AMD takeover.

That rumour would put the cat among the pigeons if there's any truth to it at all.

ATI's board agreed unanimously to recommend AMD's bid with an offer per share of $20.47 totalling $5.4 billion. AMD has to borrow money to complete the acquisition, which is subject to shareholder approval.

The rumour is here. Mind you, Intel is the leader in the graphics market. Would the fact that only Nvidia and S3 be left interest the antitrust authorities. µ

* FORBES quotes an RBC analyst saying there is "little upside" to ATI's share price unless there are competing bids. here. Nvidia and Intel would have antitrust "challenges". TI and Broadcom wouldn't have that problem, the article reckons.