According to the latest report from CCTV News, the head of the Anti-Monopoly Department II of the State Administration for Market Regulation recently answered reporters' questions regarding the investigation into Qualcomm's violation of the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the "Anti-Monopoly Law").
Q: Recently, the State Administration for Market Regulation launched an investigation into Qualcomm for suspected violations of the Anti-Monopoly Law. Please provide more details.
A: This is a routine enforcement action carried out by the State Administration for Market Regulation in accordance with the Anti-Monopoly Law.
In May 2023, Qualcomm announced its acquisition of Autotalks. Following a report, our bureau conducted a comprehensive assessment of the concentration and concluded that, while it did not meet the filing requirements, there was evidence demonstrating that it had or was likely to have the effect of eliminating or restricting competition. On March 12, 2024, our bureau issued a written notice to Qualcomm, requesting it to file a filing, in accordance with Article 26 of the Anti-Monopoly Law. The concentration could not be implemented without filing a filing or obtaining approval after filing. On March 14, 2024, Qualcomm sent a letter to our bureau stating that it would abandon the transaction. In June 2025, Qualcomm completed the acquisition of Autotalks without filing a filing or communicating with our bureau. Following the report, our bureau conducted a verification, and Qualcomm acknowledged the relevant facts. Based on clear facts and conclusive evidence, our bureau initiated an investigation into Qualcomm's acquisition of Autotalks as an illegal concentration of undertakings.
Next step of Market supervision
Going forward, the State Administration for Market Regulation will continue to conduct the relevant investigation in accordance with laws and regulations, and in an objective and impartial manner.
It is worth noting that Qualcomm recently responded to this investigation:
Qualcomm responded on the 11th that it is actively cooperating with the relevant investigation by the State Administration for Market Regulation. Qualcomm is committed to supporting the development and growth of its customers and partners.
Previous report: Qualcomm is suspected of violating the Anti-Monopoly Law and the State Administration for Market Regulation has decided to initiate an investigation
According to the State Administration for Market Regulation, Qualcomm has launched an investigation into Autotalks for suspected violations of the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China due to its acquisition of Autotalks without legally filing a concentration of undertakings application.
Autotalks is an Israel-based fabless semiconductor company founded in 2008 that has long focused on the research and development and commercialization of V2X communication chips. Its core products support DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) and C-V2X (Cellular-based Vehicle-to-Everything) standards, enabling vehicles to communicate directly with other vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic infrastructure in real time, thereby improving driving safety and traffic efficiency.
In May 2023, Qualcomm announced its intention to acquire Autotalks, with plans to integrate its V2X technology into the Snapdragon Digital Chassis platform to strengthen its capabilities in intelligent connected vehicle communications, safety warnings, and autonomous driving collaboration. The deal is widely viewed in the industry as a significant step in Qualcomm's expansion of its automotive electronics portfolio.
Although the two parties reached a preliminary acquisition agreement as early as 2023, the transaction progress has been challenging. Because the transaction involved sensitive areas such as automotive communication security, wireless spectrum usage, and competition in industry standards, it attracted the scrutiny of multiple regulatory agencies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In March 2024, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressed concern that the acquisition could weaken competition in the V2X chip market. In Europe, 15 member states jointly requested the European Commission initiate an in-depth review, arguing that the transaction could lead to Qualcomm's excessively concentrated influence in V2X technology standard setting.
As a result, Qualcomm announced the termination of its initial acquisition plan at the end of March 2024. However, after approximately a year of negotiations and adjustments, the two parties finally completed the transaction in June 2025, with the Autotalks team officially integrated into Qualcomm's automotive business unit. Foreign media estimates put the final transaction value at approximately $80 million to $90 million, lower than the initial rumored $350 million to $400 million.
