Intel rivals Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and Broadcom are reportedly exploring potential deals that could split the storied American chip giant.

Needs help Troubled Chipzilla has admitted that despite its best efforts, it will still rely on TSMC’s services even as its much-hyped 18A process gets off the ground. Apparently, it has realised that having an actual working foundry is preferable to betting everything on internal production.

Chief Executive Rodney McMullen resigned after a board investigation into his personal conduct. Shares fell

Intel could sell its foundry and chip design segments to TSMC and Broadcom. TSMC would extend its lead as the world’s largest contract chipmaker. Broadcom would further expand its diversified chipmaking business.

TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei recently held a press conference with US President Donald Trump at the White House, announcing an additional investment of US$100 billion in the US. Shortly after, he convened another press conference with Taiwan's President Ching-te Lai to clarify TSMC's intentions regarding its investments in the US.

Broadcom has examined Intel's chip design and marketing unit, while TSMC has separately studied acquiring some or all of its chip plants, according to the Wall Street Journal. The division designs its chips and is one of the most accomplished historically but has faced fierce competition from Advanced Micro Devices in the personal computer and data-centers markets.

The Trump administration has reportedly urged TSMC to partner with Intel and expedite its investments in the US. Sources suggest that TSMC is weighing a controlling stake in Intel's factories, a move experts warn could be more harmful than beneficial.

Taiwans Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei stated on Tuesday that his ministry has not received any overseas investment application from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), amid speculation that the chip giant

Meanwhile, in the latest sign of its retreat from an ambitious investment plan intended to put it toe-to-toe with TSMC, Intel has just put back the start of chip production at a giant new plant in Ohio.

TSMC, the world’s biggest semiconductor manufacturer, produces chips for companies including Apple, Intel and Nvidia.

Four former Intel directors wrote in Fortune magazine a critique of TSMC taking control of Intel’s foundry business, suggesting that Intel should spin off