The Trump administration is in discussions to take a stake of about 10% in Intel Corp., a move that could see the US become the beleaguered chipmaker’s largest shareholder. The government’s plan, which would convert grants made under the US Chips and Science Act into equity, is under consideration just as SoftBank Group Corp. announced a surprise bet on Intel’s revival, agreeing to acquire a $2 billion stake in the company.
The US government and the Japanese tech conglomerate both see the potential for a turnaround at Intel, although each likely values different parts of the business. For the Trump administration, a recovery of the chipmaker’s manufacturing prowess would help win jobs and voters. For SoftBank, Intel’s chip design operations beckon with the promise of high margins. The federal government is considering a potential investment in Intel that would involve converting some or all of the company’s grants from the Chips Act into equity, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is confidential. Intel has been slated to receive a combined $10.9 billion in such grants for commercial and military production. The company can also draw on up to $11 billion in loans under the 2022 law. The grant money, which was originally designed to be disbursed over time as Intel meets project milestones, is roughly enough to pay for the targeted holding. At Intel’s current market value, a 10% stake in the chipmaker would be worth around $10.5 billion. The exact size of the stake, as well as whether the White House chooses to move ahead with the plan, is still in flux, the people said.

Full report : US wants 10% equity stake in Intel for cash grants approved under previous administration under Chips Act.