SiRF looking for buyout targets

BANGALORE: SiRF Technology, the US-based provider of semiconductor and software for mobile devices largely for geographical positioning system (GPS), is keen on further acquisitions in India.

SiRF had in the recent past acquired Bangalore-based Impulsesoft, a bluetooth solution firm, for $18 million in a cash and stock deal. It also acquired TrueSpan, which had a development centre in Bangalore.

Kanwar Chadha, VP-marketing, SiRF Technology, said the company would actively look at inorganic route in India to expand its technology portfolio. SiRF currently has development centres in Bangalore and Noida having around 150 people.

The India centre has also become one its main R&D hubs globally. Mr Chadha said that to remain competitive it needs to fill the gaps in technology as it goes about expanding its portfolio.

SiRF, with revenue of $262 million, started as a technology provider for GPS systems According to Mr Chadha the India centre will focus on developing technology for the multimedia platforms like mobile TV, bluetooth, among others.

It has already developed core capability in terms of design, verification and expects the complete architecture of products to come out in the second half of this year.

SiRF is also looking at tapping into the Indian market with its products and is looking at forming alliances with few Indian original design manufacturer (ODM). It is expecting fleet management companies and auto manufacturers to adopt its GPS devices.