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AMD strikes a deal to sell ZT Systems' server-manufacturing business for $3B
TechCrunch· 2025-05-19 17:31
Core Viewpoint - AMD is divesting ZT Systems' server-manufacturing business to Sanmina for $3 billion, which includes cash and stock components [1][2][3] Group 1: Deal Structure - The deal consists of $2.25 billion in cash, a $300 million premium (50% cash and 50% equity), and a $450 million contingent payment based on financial performance over the next three years [1] - The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approval [2] Group 2: Strategic Implications - AMD will retain control of ZT Systems' rack-scale AI solutions design business after the divestiture [2] - Sanmina will become a preferred new product introduction manufacturing partner for AMD's cloud rack and cluster-scale AI solutions [4] Group 3: Background Context - AMD's acquisition of ZT Systems for $4.9 billion was announced in August 2024, with the intention to divest the server-manufacturing segment after the deal closed [3] - The acquisition officially closed in March 2025 [3] Group 4: Executive Commentary - AMD's executive vice president highlighted the expectation to enhance U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities and improve quality and time-to-market for cloud customers through the partnership with Sanmina [5]
U.S. lawmakers have concerns about Apple-Alibaba deal
TechCrunch· 2025-05-18 14:35
Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration and congressional officials are investigating a deal between Apple and Alibaba that would integrate Alibaba's AI features into iPhones sold in China, raising concerns about data sharing and regulatory commitments [1][2]. Group 1: Government Scrutiny - White House officials and members of the House Select Committee on China have directly questioned Apple executives regarding the deal, focusing on data sharing with Alibaba and commitments to Chinese regulators [2]. - Apple executives reportedly struggled to provide answers to most of the inquiries posed by government officials [2]. Group 2: Concerns Raised - Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi characterized Alibaba as a key player in the Chinese Communist Party's military-civil fusion strategy, expressing alarm over Apple's lack of transparency regarding the agreement [3]. - The deal has only been publicly confirmed by Alibaba, with Apple remaining silent on the matter, highlighting the challenges posed by U.S.-China tensions for Apple's business operations [3].
Epic Games asks judge to force Apple to approve Fortnite
TechCrunch· 2025-05-17 16:20
Core Points - Epic Games is intensifying its legal efforts against Apple to allow Fortnite back into the App Store, requesting a court order for Apple to accept any compliant version of the game [1] - A recent ruling by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in "willful violation" of an injunction regarding anti-competitive pricing, potentially allowing Fortnite's return and enabling developers to offer alternative payment options [2] - Apple plans to appeal the ruling, and Epic Games has stated that Fortnite will remain offline globally until Apple unblocks it, although Apple disputes this claim and suggests that Epic should resubmit the app update without the U.S. storefront [3] Company Actions - Epic Games has filed a new court request to compel Apple to accept Fortnite into the App Store [1] - The company argues that Apple is punishing it by blocking access to the market it has fought to open, which sends a negative message to other developers [3] Legal Context - The ongoing legal battle centers around Apple's App Store policies, particularly the commissions on in-app purchases [1] - The recent court ruling could have broader implications for developers seeking to implement alternative payment systems [2]
Mystery investor's attempt to stop Canoo asset sale shot down by judge
TechCrunch· 2025-05-16 14:49
Core Viewpoint - The judge in Canoo's bankruptcy case has blocked an attempt by financier Charles Garson to disrupt the sale of the EV startup's assets, ruling that he lacked standing to challenge the sale to Canoo's CEO, Anthony Aquila [1][2][8]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - Judge Brendan Linehan Shannon ruled that Charles Garson, a UK-based financier, did not have standing to request the sale to Canoo's CEO be vacated, as he missed the deadline to submit a formal bid [2][8]. - Garson claimed he was willing to pay up to $20 million for Canoo's assets but failed to clarify the source of his funding, raising concerns from the bankruptcy trustee about potential issues with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States [2][4]. - The last challenge to the asset sale comes from Harbinger Motors, a startup formed by former Canoo employees, which has appealed the judge's denial of their objection to the sale [3]. Group 2: Arguments and Perspectives - Garson's lawyer framed the situation as a "David versus Goliath" matter, arguing that Garson believed he had until the end of April to formalize his bid based on conversations with the bankruptcy trustee [4]. - The bankruptcy trustee's lawyer, Mark Felger, countered that the sale process was fair and that the negotiations were conducted properly, emphasizing that the cost of maintaining Canoo's assets was too high [5][7]. - Judge Shannon expressed sympathy for Garson's frustration but noted that he did not fully understand the complex process and requirements to engage in the bidding [9]. Group 3: Outcome and Reactions - Judge Shannon ruled against Garson, stating he lacked standing as he was not owed any money by Canoo and did not submit a formal bid before the deadline [8][9]. - Garson acknowledged the court's decision and congratulated Aquila, expressing disappointment at not being able to participate in the bidding process [10].
Epic Games says Apple is blocking Fortnite from the US and EU App Stores
TechCrunch· 2025-05-16 13:44
Epic Games claims that Apple is blocking its Fortnite app from the U.S. and E.U. App Stores. After winning a decisive victory for app developers in a legal battle with Apple, forcing the tech giant to allow external payments in its U.S. App Store without charging commission, Epic Games attempted to resubmit Fortnite to the U.S. App Store on May 9, 2025. However, Apple failed to accept its submission for a week, leading Epic Games to pull its request and try again. According to Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, t ...
Chipotle president Jack Hartung joins Tesla's board ahead of Tesla Diner launch
TechCrunch· 2025-05-16 13:33
Core Insights - Tesla has appointed Jack Hartung, a veteran executive from Chipotle, to its board of directors, which coincides with the company's development of a retro diner and charging station in Los Angeles [1][3]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Jack Hartung brings over 20 years of experience from Chipotle, where he held roles such as CFO, president, and chief strategy officer, overseeing finance, supply chain, and safety as the company expanded to over 3,700 restaurants globally [2]. - Prior to his tenure at Chipotle, Hartung spent nearly 20 years at McDonald's, serving as VP and CFO of the partner brands group [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - Hartung's experience in the food and beverage industry may provide Tesla with valuable strategic insights and a network of contacts as the company prepares to launch its diner concept [3][4]. - His appointment comes as Tesla seeks to enhance customer service at the diner, with a role advertised for a Tesla Diner Experience Specialist [3]. Group 3: Compensation and Governance - Hartung will begin his board duties, including participation in the audit committee, effective June 1, and has waived cash and equity compensation, aligning with practices of other board members [5]. - A related-party transaction was disclosed, noting that Hartung's son-in-law has been a Tesla service technician since December 2016, earning a salary of $124,000, which Tesla states is consistent with its compensation practices [4].
Lucid's record quarter got a lift from rental sales and company leases
TechCrunch· 2025-05-15 19:05
Core Viewpoint - Lucid Motors achieved a record delivery of 3,109 electric vehicles (EVs) in Q1 2025, aided by a new company car program and sales to rental fleets [1][4]. Group 1: Delivery Performance - The company delivered 3,109 EVs in Q1 2025, surpassing Q4 2024 deliveries by 100 vehicles, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of increased deliveries [1][4]. - The sales to leasing and rental companies contributed significantly to the delivery figures, despite the typical seasonal challenges in automotive sales at the beginning of the year [4]. Group 2: Sales to Rental Companies - Lucid Motors sold approximately $27.2 million worth of vehicles to rental companies in Q1 2025, which could translate to around 360 EVs sold to these companies [8][9]. - In comparison, the company sold $34.7 million worth of cars to rental companies throughout 2024 and $9.1 million in 2023, indicating a notable increase in sales to this segment [9]. Group 3: Revenue Recognition - The company does not immediately recognize revenue from sales to rental companies due to obligations to repurchase the vehicles later, only booking revenue at the time of repurchase [10][11]. - This accounting practice suggests that while sales figures may appear strong, they do not directly translate into immediate revenue for the company [10]. Group 4: Market Position and Strategy - Lucid Motors has faced challenges in establishing a market for its luxury sedan, the Air, but is optimistic about its upcoming SUV, the Gravity, expected to ship in larger volumes in the latter half of 2025 [5]. - The interim CEO emphasized the importance of customer experience, noting that customers often find it hard to revert to other brands after trying a Lucid vehicle [5]. - The company is increasing its marketing efforts, having spent $3.5 million on sales and marketing in Q1, with plans for further investment [15].
Coinbase says customers' personal information stolen in data breach
TechCrunch· 2025-05-15 11:58
Core Insights - Coinbase has confirmed a data breach where customer information, including government-issued identity documents, was stolen [1][4] - The hacker obtained the information by paying contractors or employees in support roles to access internal systems [2] - Coinbase has detected malicious activity in previous months and has warned affected customers [3] Data Breach Details - Stolen customer data includes names, postal and email addresses, phone numbers, last four digits of Social Security numbers, masked bank account numbers, and government-issued identity documents [4] - The breach also involved corporate data, including internal documentation [5] Financial Impact - Coinbase expects to incur costs between $180 million to $400 million for incident remediation and customer reimbursements [5]
Trump tells Apple's CEO to stop expanding iPhone production in India
TechCrunch· 2025-05-15 11:37
Earlier this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company would start importing iPhones manufactured in India to meet the majority of demand stateside. It seems U.S. President Donald Trump is not happy with that.Speaking at a business summit in Doha, Trump said he met with Cook and asked him to stop building in India and instead increase production in the United States. “I said to him, ‘Tim, you’re my friend, I’ve treated you very good. You’re coming up with $500 billion, but now I hear you are building all ...
Netflix adds more live TV to its lineup
TechCrunch· 2025-05-14 20:30
Core Insights - Netflix is expanding its live streaming content, now reaching over 94 million global monthly active users, with a focus on sports, comedy, and special events [1] - Upcoming live events include the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano rematch on July 11 and two NFL Christmas Day matchups [1] - Netflix will also stream the 32nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on March 1, 2026, and its own "Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event" [2] Advertising and Audience Engagement - The company introduced the Netflix Ads Suite, incorporating first-party data from LiveRamp or Netflix, and expanding programmatic ad buying options [3] - A new ad format will utilize generative AI to match ads with Netflix shows [3] - Netflix has a strong reach among Gen Z and millennials, with more viewers aged 18-34 than any other U.S. broadcast or cable network, and U.S. ad-supported tier consumers watching an average of 41 hours per month [4]